Chicago’s top police official, Superintendent Larry Snelling, has denied allegations that he ordered officers to ‘stand down’ following weekend confrontations where federal agents were targeted by ramming attacks. During a press briefing, Snelling emphasized that protesters who intentionally ram vehicles containing law enforcement agents could face a justified response involving deadly force. He stated that such actions are considered a use of deadly force, which encompasses any act that could cause great bodily harm or death.
The incidents in question occurred over the weekend, with federal agents arrested two individuals accused of ramming their vehicles. Marimar Martinez, one of the suspects, was shot and wounded during the confrontation, while Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz was arrested in a separate but similar incident that did not result in injuries. Snelling described the weekend as one of heightened tension, with a reported 22 incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, leading to 29 injuries and four fatalities, according to city police records.
Snelling warned that blocking or hitting law enforcement vehicles could be perceived as an ambush, prompting the use of deadly force. He stressed that such actions not only break the law but also endanger lives, advising protesters to avoid any conduct that could provoke a violent response from officers. The superintendent also sought to dispel claims that he issued stand-down orders, asserting that these reports were entirely untrue. He reiterated his stance that he would never instruct officers to withhold assistance when other law enforcement agencies were in distress.
Despite Snelling’s denials, Fox News previously obtained a dispatch log that appears to indicate a patrol chief had ordered officers to stand down, prompting skepticism about the superintendent’s account. A retired high-ranking officer, speaking to Fox News Digital, noted that the evidence, including radio tapes and the dispatch message screen, seemed to contradict Snelling’s assertions. However, the department pledged to continue its review of the incident, with additional information expected to be released on Tuesday.