A Chicago police officer was fatally shot while heading home from his shift early Sunday. According to the Chicago police superintendent, the officer was a victim of the very crime he was working to prevent.
During a news conference on Sunday morning, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling revealed that the officer, aged 30, was shot multiple times and had his car stolen.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has identified the officer who was killed as Luis M. Huesca. Mayor Johnson described the officer’s death as a tragic consequence of “an act of senseless gun violence in our city.”
In a heartfelt message on X, Johnson expressed his condolences to the grieving family of Officer Huesca. During a meeting with the officer’s mother and uncle, Johnson assured them of his unwavering support during this unimaginable time of loss. The entire city mourns alongside them, extending their sympathies to the family, as well as to Luis’ colleagues and the community he served.
According to the mayor, Huesca had been serving in the 5th District of the police department as a member of the Priority Response Team.
Huesca was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where medical officials declared him dead.
According to Snelling, detectives are currently investigating whether the officer was shot during a carjacking.
“We cannot confirm that at the moment, but our detectives are actively investigating the situation,” Snelling stated. “What we do know is that the suspect stole the officer’s vehicle. However, in order to fully understand the motive behind this incident, we require additional information, and our detective division is diligently working on obtaining it.”
No arrests have been announced.
We are deeply mourning the death of Officer Luis M. Huesca of the 5th District/Priority Response Team following an act of unconscionable gun violence in our city. No family or community should ever have to suffer such pain.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) April 21, 2024
According to a police statement, the shooting occurred at approximately 2:53 a.m. in the Gage Park neighborhood on West 56th Street near South Kedzie Avenue. The responding officers discovered the officer gravely injured outside, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Media staging for Police Officer shot in the 8th District is the N/W corner of 57th & Cottage Grove – U of C Hospital. Additional details to follow.
— Chicago Police Communications & News Affairs (@CPD_Media) April 21, 2024
According to Snell, the CPD officer who was shot had been with the force for six years. He was wearing his uniform, but had a jacket over it at the time of the incident.
According to Snelling, our officer was on his way home after completing his tour of duty. During his journey, he unfortunately became the target of multiple gunshots.
The shooting occurred in the 8th Police District on the Southwest Side of the city, according to CPD.
“He was tirelessly working to ensure the safety of communities and individuals, but today, that officer became a victim of the very crime he was striving to prevent in our city,” Snelling expressed with deep concern. “Our city is plagued by a significant amount of violent crime, and there are individuals who display audacity and cowardice as they carry out these acts against the law-abiding citizens who are simply trying to lead their lives in the right manner. This cycle of violence needs to come to an end.”
According to Snelling, the officer’s surviving relatives include his mother and uncle.
“He was an exceptional officer, not to mention a remarkable individual. His family is currently going through a difficult time, and my heartfelt condolences go out to them. It is essential that we keep the family, especially his mother, in our thoughts and prayers,” expressed Snelling. “These senseless acts, which tragically claim the lives of members of our community, need to stop. Today, we lost one of our brave officers.”
