Fallen Chicago officer's rushed tribute reflects anti-police trend, ex-superintendent says

The sendoff of fallen Chicago police Officer Ella French was reportedly rushed by the department’s No. 2 official – and former Chicago police Superintendent Garry McCarthy argued it reflected a nationwide lack of support for police officers from government leaders.

"We’re not waiting on the bagpipes" because "we don’t have 20 minutes for this s---," Chicago First Deputy Police Supt. Eric Carter, the department's second in command, reportedly told officers who were conducting the Saturday night sendoff for French, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot reportedly backed Carter's decision after initially insisting during a news conference that the reports about Carter were false. The mayor reportedly claimed there was no honor guard present during the ceremony and that a group of well-meaning people planned to hijack the procession.