South Cook News

After visiting Chicago Police Officer Daniel Golden who continues to recover after he was paralyzed in an off-duty shooting on July 9, Orland Park Mayor and the Republican candidate for Illinois' 6th Congressional District Keith Pekau called for voters to "push back" come November.

Golden, 32, was shot in the back at Sean's Rhino Bar in Beverly on Chicago's South Side after identifying himself as a police officer while he tried to de-escalate a fight, WGN reported. He had just participated in a charity softball fundraiser to help families impacted by cancer. He's now paralyzed from the waist down. Demitrius Harrell, Bryant Hayes and Justen Krismantis are all facing charges in connection to the shooting. Harrell faced previous charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm and attempted bank robbery.

"Please continue to pray for Officer Golden's healing and for strength for his family," Pekau wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. "Let's never forget this sacrifice, and the sacrifices made by all our men and women who choose to protect and serve everyday. Support the police. Cook County has voted overwhelmingly for far-Left prosecutors and judges who put the safety of our communities at risk. We must push back in November, or this is only going to get worse."

According to CBS News, Hayes and Krismantis are each facing an attempted murder charge, among other charges. Golden is an Army veteran and third-generation Chicago Police officer. Liam Hokins, one of Golden's friends, told CBS News "his life changed in a snap of his finger." 

Harrell, the third suspect facing charges in connection to the shooting, had an outstanding warrant from out of state at the time of the shooting, the Beverly Review reported. 

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has been criticized for her handling of crime. According to Chicago City Wire, a report found Foxx has dismissed all charges for almost 30% of felony cases since 2016.