January 1, Chicago Gang Leader Charged After Alleged Bounty On Officer

Wyatt’s Take

• Federal charges were filed against a Chicago gang leader for murder-for-hire.
• Prosecutors say a $10,000 bounty targeted a senior border officer.
• National Guard troops are headed to Chicago to fight rising crime.

Federal prosecutors charged Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, believed to lead the Latin Kings gang, with murder-for-hire this week. Officers say Martinez tried to pay $10,000 to anyone willing to kill a senior Customs and Border Patrol officer linked to Operation Midway Blitz.

Messages sent over Snapchat reportedly offered $2,000 for the officer’s information and $10,000 “if you take him down.” The suspect allegedly shared the officer’s photo in those messages. The CBP officer was targeted after a police-involved shooting in Brighton Park, with Latin Kings members called to protect their territory.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said,

“Placing a bounty on the head of a federal officer is an attack on the rule of law and on every American who depends on law enforcement to keep them safe.”

Blanche added this kind of action is the reason for efforts to “Take Back America,” aiming to restore safety to neighborhoods. In response to mounting crime, the Trump administration is sending National Guard troops to Chicago.

Stay informed—your community’s safety depends on it.

Wyatt Matters

Criminal gangs cannot be allowed to threaten law officers and rule our streets. Law-abiding families in Middle America deserve protection and strong leadership to keep neighborhoods safe for everyone.

Full story here