South Cook News

Illinois State House District 36 candidate Christine Shanahan McGovern reacted to a police shooting in a November 5 Facebook post, stating, "Prayers for CPD."

"Prayers for CPD," said Shanahan McGovern, according to Facebook.

Shanahan McGovern was referring to the death of Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot and killed while on duty during the night of November 4. According to WGN 9, Martinez, aged 26, had been with the department for almost three years and worked out of the sixth district. WGN reports that around 8 p.m. on Monday, officers stopped a vehicle in the 8000 block of S. Ingleside Ave., in the neighborhood of Chatham. As officers approached, the driver fired multiple shots, hitting Martinez and possibly a passenger in the vehicle who was also killed. A second officer was injured when the driver attempted to flee and struck him.

Screenshot of Christine Shanahan McGovern's Nov. 5 Facebook post | Christine Shanahan McGovern for IL State Representative District 36 Facebook page

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 identified Officer Martinez in a November 4 Facebook post. "Earlier tonight we lost a hero who was working to make this city safer. Officer Enrique Martinez was only 26 years old with his whole life a career ahead. The details and likely criminal background of the offenders will be out soon enough. Tonight, tomorrow and for eternity, we honor his sacrifice!"

ABC7 reports that an officer discharged his weapon at the scene and that firearms belonging to officers involved in the incident are being scrutinized. The officer struck by the vehicle is reported to be in fair condition by ABC7. The station also reports that after striking the second officer with the vehicle, the shooter attempted to flee but was apprehended a few blocks away.

"We have to do everything that we can to keep violent offenders off the street, especially those who are repeating these acts," said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling in an ABC7 report. "If we don't do that, then we're failing our citizens. We're failing our children. We're failing their futures."

McGovern is running as the Republican candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 36 after winning an uncontested race in the Republican primary in March. Describing herself as a mother and business owner on her campaign website, she states her commitment to the community where she has resided for nearly 29 years.