Chicago Mayor Faces Criticism After Fatal Shooting of Off-Duty Police Officer

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing criticism over the city's safety and leadership following the fatal shooting of an off-duty police officer on Sunday. Officer Luis M. Huesca, 30, was shot multiple times outside his home in the Gage Park neighborhood after returning from his shift. Huesca's gun and car were taken during the attack, and no arrests have been made.

Huesca was a six-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and worked in the 5th District as a member of the Priority Response Team. This was the second time in less than a year that a 5th District officer was shot under similar circumstances, with Officer Aréanah Preston also having her gun taken after being shot in May 2023.

Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that Huesca was in uniform but wearing something on top to cover it, as is customary for off-duty officers. Police did not offer a motive for the shooting, and Huesca's vehicle was taken, though they did not confirm if the shooting was part of a carjacking. No suspect was in custody at the time.

Mayor Johnson expressed condolences to Huesca's family and community, stating that "no family or community should ever have to suffer such pain." The Chicago Police Department has determined that Huesca died in the line of duty, entitling his family to survivor's death benefits.

Why this matters: The shooting of Officer Huesca highlights the ongoing concerns over violence and safety in Chicago, particularly for law enforcement. It also raises questions about Mayor Johnson's leadership and the city's ability to address these issues effectively.

Chicago police have released surveillance footage showing a person of interest they are seeking in connection with Huesca's shooting. The individual is considered armed and dangerous, and police are asking the public for help in identifying them. Huesca's death comes just 13 months after the fatal shooting of another Chicago police officer, Andrés Vásquez Lasso, whom Huesca had paid tribute to. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 has released visitation and funeral information for Huesca, who would have turned 31 on the day the line-of-duty designation was announced.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago officer Luis Huesca, 30, fatally shot outside his home; gun and car taken
• Huesca was 6-year veteran, 2nd 5th District officer shot under similar circumstances
• Mayor Johnson faces criticism over city's safety and leadership after Huesca's death
• CPD determined Huesca's death was in the line of duty, entitling family to benefits
• Police seeking armed, dangerous person of interest in Huesca's shooting