Chicago Police Union Boss 'Sorry' For Comments On Capitol Attack

CHICAGO — Police union President John Catanzara apologized for making a "poorly worded" comments during a radio interview that downplayed the seriousness of the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol this week.

"I showed a lapse in judgement yesterday during an interview. For that I am sorry. I brought negative attention to our Lodge, the FOP family and law enforcement in general. I was in no way condoning the violence in DC yesterday. My statements were poorly worded. I certainly would never justify any attacks on citizens, democracy or law enforcement," Catanzara wrote in a statement posted on the union's Facebook page. "After seeing more video and the full aftermath, my comments would have been different."

In an interview with WBEZ reporter Chip Mitchell Wednesday Catanzara said it was "ridiculous and ignorant" to compare mayhem at the nation's Capitol to the widespread destruction inspired by civil unrest this summer "all across the country all summer long in Democratic-ran cities."

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"This is not some mass insurrection, coup attempt. They're not destroying or burning down the fricking Capitol building," Catanzara said during the radio interview. "This hyperbole and this emotion that the media is spewing now, like this is some kind of end-of-times scenario, is ridiculous."

In the open letter posted on Facebook Friday, Catanzara asked FOP Lodge 7 members to consider the totality of his public comments, including his criticism of President Trump.

"What is almost totally overlooked was the fact I said the President needs to accept responsibility for yesterday's events and that he should formally concede the race to put everything to bed once and for all," Catanzara wrote.

"Lastly, I commit to doing better each day. I will never be too big to admit when I am wrong. Today is one of those days."