Controversial Chicago Police Union Boss Suspended Without Pay

CHICAGO — Chicago police Supt. David Brown this week suspended embattled Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara without pay in advance of a misconduct hearing that could lead to the union boss's firing.

In a statement, police officials said Catanzara was suspended Wednesday and is in a "no pay status pending the outcome of his case before the Police Board."

Catanzara told WGN News the move won't phase him. "It’ll probably give me more support with members for being attacked," Catanzara said. "It’ll piss (police) off more."

In January, Brown filed new charges against Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 president claim Catanzara filed a false police report claiming former top cop Eddie Johnson was a trespasser on state land when he joined protestors blocking Dan Ryan Expressway lanes in July 2018. Catanzara also was accused of filing a false police report against a supervisor, who once was his boss, for "obstructing justice" in November 2018.

A police board status hearing on the charges is set for February 23.

In December, the Chicago Office of Police Accountability recommended Catanzara be fired over a series of rants on his personal Facebook page, including a call to "kill these m------------," and "Savages they all deserve a bullet." Supt. Brown disagreed with COPA's finding and instead recommended a one-year suspension. The January charges signaled Brown's change of heart on Catanzara's future with the department.

None of the misconduct allegations against Catanzara refer to his most recent recent controversial comments to WBEZ reporter Chip Mitchell downplaying the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol earlier this month.

Catanzara said that it's "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."

"There was no arson. There was no burning of anything. There was no looting. There was very little destruction of property. It was a bunch of pissed-off people that feel an election was stolen, somehow, some way," Catanzara said during the radio interview.

He later apologized for his comments on the U.S. Capitol insurrection.