Former Chicago police lieutenant John Garrido slammed Mayor Brandon Johnson for skipping a press briefing on fallen officer Luis Huesca's death, denouncing it as a "slap in the face" to the police force and the officer's family. The incident has ignited outrage and raised concerns about the lack of support for law enforcement in Chicago.
Former Chicago police lieutenant John Garrido joined 'Fox & Friends First' to express his outrage at Mayor Brandon Johnson's response to the tragic death of Officer Luis Huesca. Garrido criticized Johnson for skipping a press briefing on the incident, accusing him of neglecting the concerns of the police force and the fallen officer's family.
"It's an absolute disgrace," Garrido said. "For the mayor to not show his face at a press briefing after one of our officers is murdered in the line of duty is a slap in the face to all of us."
Huesca, a 30-year-old officer, was shot and killed in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago on April 21 while driving home in uniform. Sources indicate he was shot nearly 20 times with a firearm equipped with a "switch," transforming it into an automatic weapon.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among Chicago police officers, who feel that the city leadership is not adequately supporting them in their efforts to combat crime. "We're already understaffed, under-resourced, and under attack by politicians and the media," Garrido explained. "This just adds insult to injury."
The Chicago Police Department has identified a suspect in Huesca's death, 22-year-old Xavier L. Tate Jr., who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Police have released a two-minute surveillance video showing the suspect walking into convenience stores and outside on a sidewalk.
Garrido believes that the lack of support from the city leadership has contributed to the rising crime rates in Chicago. "When the mayor and other politicians refuse to back the police, it emboldens criminals and makes the city less safe," he said.
Huesca's death has sparked a debate about the role of the mayor in supporting law enforcement and addressing crime in Chicago. Residents and community leaders have expressed outrage at the mayor's absence from the press briefing and demanded more support for the police.
The combined $100,000 reward offered by various organizations, including Crime Stoppers, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the FBI, and the Fraternal Order of Police, demonstrates the importance of apprehending the suspect responsible for Huesca's death.
Huesca's legacy as a dedicated police officer who served his community with honor will continue to inspire his fellow officers and residents of Chicago. His memory serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting law enforcement and working together to create a safer city.
