Off-Duty Chicago Officer Shoots Advancing Knife-Wielding Suspect — Politicians Offer Condolences to Attacker and His Family

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CHICAGO, IL — An off-dity Chicago Police officer was forced to shoot a knife-wielding suspect on Friday afternoon after the individual aggressively advanced toward the officer despite repeated commands to stop and attempts to de-escalate the situation. The incident happened at approximately 1:45 p.m. in the 11400 block of South Avenue G in the city’s East Side neighborhood.

Officers from CPD’s 4th District and Forest Preserves of Cook County Police were responding to reports of a man armed with a knife chasing another individual outside a Chick-fil-A. However, the first officer to confront the suspect was actually an off-duty CPD officer who was already inside the restaurant when the disturbance began.

The armed suspect entered the Chick-fil-A and immediately confronted the off-duty officer, advancing with the knife in hand. According to the preliminary police statement, the officer attempted to create distance while giving verbal commands, but the suspect refused to comply and continued closing in. With the threat escalating rapidly, the officer fired a single shot, striking the suspect. Officers immediately provided first aid, including applying a tourniquet, before the suspect was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition.

The officer was also taken to a local hospital for observation. A knife was recovered at the scene, and the incident remains under investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which will determine whether the use of force was justified. Per department policy, the officer will be placed on administrative duties for at least 30 days during the investigation.

Political Condolences Focus on Attacker and His Family, Not the Officer or Victim

While the quick response and restraint shown by the officer likely prevented further violence, much of the political messaging that followed centered not on the officer’s safety or the person allegedly being chased by the suspect—but instead on expressing condolences to the suspect and his family.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who has drawn attention for similar responses to violent incidents in her own city, released a statement saying:
“Our hearts are with the family of the individual involved in this tragic shooting. No family should have to experience such a loss.”

To her credit, Wu also acknowledged the officer’s quick response and said she was “grateful the officer was safe.” But for many, that wasn’t enough to offset what critics called a misplaced focus on the attacker, rather than the victim or the officer forced to respond to a life-threatening situation.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden echoed similar sentiments, adding:
“This is a difficult time for everyone involved, especially the family of the deceased. We recognize the pain they are feeling right now.”

Backlash Highlights Public Frustration Over Misplaced Sympathy

The response sparked immediate backlash from several high-profile voices who questioned why political leaders so often focus on the attacker and their family, rather than recognizing the danger faced by law enforcement officers or the potential victims in incidents like these.