Chicago police vigilant after Baton Rouge shootings
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Chicago police said Sunday they are remaining vigilant following the attacks on police officers around the country.
Since the police officer shootings in Dallas – where 5 officers were shot and killed – CPD started enforcing a policy that made officers patrol in pairs and in uniform. A spokesperson said Sunday there is no threat against Chicago.
A former Chicago police officer, Brian Warner, said following the attacks that violence against law enforcement happens every day and blames the recent uptick in violence against officers from the black lives matter movement and politicians.
“The bashing has come to the point now where we are killing police officers and it just has to stop more dialogue and more resources has to be put into this so it stops,” said Warner who was shot in duty while making an arrest. He and his partner returned fire and killed the offender.
A suburban retired police chief says he's glad he left the department 4 years ago and no longer putting his life on the line. Dave Linder retired as the Chief of the Crystal Lake police department with decades of experience under his belt.
“Now you got to worry when you go to anything - that you are not going to be victimized by somebody just standing by who wants to shoot you for no other reason than because you are a police officer,” said Linder. “Not because they are trying to get away with anything, not because they are escaping, but because they just hate you.”
Complete Chicago Police Department Statement:
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Baton Rouge police department and the families of the slain officers. CPD has reached out to offer any support and police resources that could possibly assist. Currently, there is no threat to Chicago, however notifications have been made to CPD officers and we continue to patrol in pairs and in uniform and remain vigilant. We ask that everyone take a moment to pray for the Baton Rouge community during this difficult time.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Statement:
"As yet another horrific event unfolds in Baton Rouge today, it is painfully clear that our nation must come together. We must rise above the senseless violence that seeds hate at the very time we need to build unity. We must move beyond words and declarations and work towards mutual respect and trust. While it may be difficult, we can achieve it together. That is the American way, and it must be our path forward."