By Mark Weyermuller, Opinion Contributor
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow officers mourning the loss of Chicago Police Officer John G. Bartholomew, Star #12963, who was killed in the line of duty on April 25, 2026.
In a powerful show of solidarity, more than 150 law enforcement officers from across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs gathered outside Illinois Masonic Hospital throughout Saturday, standing in support of Officer Bartholomew and his injured partner. Later that day, a solemn motorcade escorted Officer Bartholomew’s body to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officer Bartholomew was shot and killed at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. A 26-year-old suspect has been taken into custody. Reports indicate the suspect is a seven-time convicted felon who was out on bond for other alleged violent offenses at the time of the shooting. Officer Bartholomew’s partner was also shot and remains in critical condition at Illinois Masonic Hospital.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, serious questions are being raised about Illinois’ criminal justice policies. Critics point to decisions made within the Cook County court system, the implementation of the SAFE-T Act, and concerns surrounding the monitoring of offenders released on electronic supervision. These are issues that demand scrutiny and accountability.
Visitation for Officer Bartholomew will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5649 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the same location.
The broader law enforcement community will also gather for the annual St. Jude Police Memorial March on Sunday, May 3, 2026, beginning at 8:00 am in downtown Chicago. The march honors fallen Chicago police officers and supports Gold Star families, with hundreds of photos displayed along Michigan Avenue in remembrance.
Since the founding of the department, 608 Chicago police officers have died in the line of duty – a solemn reminder of the risks these men and women take every day to protect their communities.
At Illinois Review, we stand firmly in support of law enforcement. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Officer Bartholomew and continue to pray for all those who serve and sacrifice.
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Mark Weyermuller, also known as the “Man on the Street,” is a Chicago-based small business owner, retired real estate professional, and longtime advocate for taxpayers and law enforcement. He is a citizen journalist, frequent talk radio guest, public speaker, and regular contributor to Illinois Review.
