Hundreds of mourners gathered Monday morning at St. Rita Catholic Church for the funeral of slain Chicago police officer Luis Huesca.
The hearse carrying Huesca’s remains arrived at St. Rita from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn shortly after 10:30 a.m. Scores of law enforcement officers from municipalities across the Chicago area crowded onto St. Rita’s north lawn in a show of support.
Bagpipers played hymns as the officers stood in silent salute.
The 30-year-old was shot and killed earlier this month near his home in the Gage Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side. On Friday, a Cook County judge signed an arrest warrant for a man wanted in connection with Huesca’s killing.
Huesca’s wake was held Sunday. During the service, the slain officer’s family told Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza — whose brother is a CPD officer — that they did not want Mayor Brandon Johnson to attend Monday’s funeral service. Johnson’s current and former chiefs of staff could be seen in attendance, though.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling announced last week that the department determined Huesca died in the line of duty.
The designation was announced last Tuesday, on what would have been Huesca’s 31st birthday, and it entitles his family to survivor’s death benefits. In a message to all CPD members last week, Snelling said he’s recently spent time with those closest to Huesca.
“To his family, he was a beloved son and brother. To his family here at CPD, he was a loyal and trusted friend who led by example. To the community, he was a dedicated officer with integrity who represented the best of our Department,” Snelling wrote.
“Officer Huesca was a kind spirit who cared deeply for his family, friends, and our city. From all the stories I have heard about Officer Huesca, it’s clear he has left behind a legacy of empathy and professionalism.”
