NOTE: Live coverage of the funeral and procession will be broadcast here beginning at 10 a.m. CT Monday, as well as on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will not be present Monday at the funeral of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca, who was shot and killed while on duty earlier this month.
Johnson issued a statement Monday morning as he updated his public schedule to remove funerals from his itinerary.
“We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Officer Luis Huesca as they recover from the loss of their beloved son, nephew, brother and friend,” Johnson said in a communicated. “As Mayor, I am committed to continuing to support our police and first responders, uniting our city and remaining committed to working with everyone to build a better, stronger and safer Chicago. My heart is with the Huesca family today. God bless them and God bless you.
The last-minute change comes after multiple sources told NBC Chicago that Huesca’s family had asked Johnson not to come.
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said Huesca’s “distressed mother” asked her and another state official to tell Johnson “that he doesn’t was not welcome at his son’s funeral.
Mendoza said she and the other official called Johnson to share that message, but in a statement Sunday evening, Johnson still said he planned to attend.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has not scheduled the officer’s funeral for Monday.
At 9:15 a.m. Monday, a procession was scheduled to leave the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St. in Oak Lawn and continue on 103rd Street, Western Avenue and 77th Street. Following the procession, funeral services were scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, located at 7740 S. Western Ave., in the city’s Beverly View neighborhood.
Huesca, 30, was found shot to death early in the morning of April 21 in the 3100 block of West 56th Street in Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood. Authorities say he was returning home from work when he was shot and killed.
Authorities released new photos Friday evening of the suspect who allegedly shot and killed Huesca, as they implored anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. Chicago police said an arrest warrant has been issued for Xavier Tate Jr., 22, who is wanted for Huesca’s murder.
A $100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
Last week, Pritzker ordered that all Illinois flags be flown at half-staff through Monday in honor and remembrance of Huesca. On Sunday, hundreds of law enforcement colleagues and loved ones said goodbye and shared their respects during a public visitation.
Authorities released new photos Friday evening of the suspect who allegedly shot and killed Chicago Police Officer Luis.
Monday’s funeral mass and ensuing procession will be broadcast live on NBC 5, live on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on your favorite streaming device and here.
NBC Chicago
