Crime
Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez Killed by Gang Member, Armed with Modified Automatic Glock While on Ankle Monitor
Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez was tragically killed in an ambush by a gang member armed with a Glock handgun illegally modified for automatic fire, often referred to as a “switch.”
The suspect, who had previously evaded prosecution in past cases, was on an ankle monitor at the time of the murder, yet still managed to remain active on the streets.
The suspect’s ability to evade prosecution and the circumstances surrounding his release have raised significant concerns within the community and law enforcement alike.
Officer Martinez’s death marks a devastating moment for Chicago, shedding light on the critical challenges facing police and public safety amid ongoing struggles with violent crime.
The tragic incident unfolded around 8 p.m. on Monday in the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue.
According to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the incident began when officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with three occupants inside, though Snelling did not specify the reason for the stop during his early Tuesday press conference.
As the officers approached the vehicle, one of the occupants opened fire, unleashing what sounded like “rapid fire,” Snelling reported.
Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, was struck multiple times during the attack, sustaining fatal injuries. Another occupant within the vehicle was also hit multiple times and later pronounced dead.
In response, at least one officer returned fire.
The suspect who had initially fired at the officers then attempted to flee the scene, striking another officer in the process.
After abandoning the vehicle, the gunman fled on foot but was soon apprehended by police.
A third occupant of the vehicle was also detained.
During the briefing, Superintendent Snelling addressed a question regarding one of the vehicle occupants and an ankle monitor.
“I can confirm that, yes,” Snelling said. “It’s under investigation, but we have information indicating that the monitor was removed.”
Following the shooting, fellow officers rushed Martinez to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified Officer Martinez as the fallen officer on Tuesday morning.
The case has reignited discussions about monitoring individuals with violent criminal histories and the challenges officers face in high-risk encounters.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.