Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera remembered by community after fatal Chatham shooting on South Drexel Avenue during operation
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A prayer vigil was held Wednesday night for fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera at the 6th District police station where she worked at 78th and Halsted.

Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty last week when a fellow officer shot her unintentionally.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Officer Krystal Rivera had two families: the one she was born into and the one she dedicated her life to serving. On Wednesday night, those two families came together in their grief to rejoice and remember the beloved mother and police officer.

It’s been nearly a week since Officer Krystal River was killed, but based off the emotion at the vigil, the pain and loss felt by those who knew here is still fresh.

The four-year CPD veteran was assigned to the 6th District, now adorned with purple bunting as a sign of mourning.

Speakers remembered the mother and dedicated police officer for her quiet strength and empathy.

“I would just like for the family to just take a look and see what they have out here,” CPD Commander Michael Tate said. “This isn’t a result of just us. This is a result of what your daughter, your mom, and your sister meant to the city of Chicago, to this district.”

Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty last Thursday when an fellow officer unintentionally shot her during a tactical operation.

The prayer vigil focused on the life she led and community she served, which was vast, based on the strong show of support.

“I can’t explain how I felt that night and how I’m still feeling,” Commander Tate said.

Tate added this has been a difficult year for the 6th District. He said Officer Rivera is the third officer they’ve lost over the past few months.

A suspect is facing charges in connection with the shooting death of Officer Rivera.

CPD said 25-year-old Adrian Rucker pointed a rifle at police on Thursday night, when Officer Rivera was killed.

The suspect appeared in court Sunday, where he was denied pretrial release.

Multiple charges against the Freeport, Illinois man came down early Sunday, including armed violence and having an invalid FOID card.

CPD said the shooting happened around 10 p.m. Thursday.

Rivera was part of a team of officers that tried to stop someone who was believed to be armed near 82nd and Drexel.

Investigators say that person ran into an apartment, and officers chased him. Police say Rucker then confronted the officers with a rifle inside the building before leaving the scene.

Prosecutors in court Sunday said as the officers pursued Rucker, Officer Rivera was accidentally shot when a fellow officer’s weapons discharged.

Rivera’s mother was in court Sunday for the appearance and did not comment publicly.

Prosecutors told the judge Rucker is a convicted felon who had several warrants for his arrest.

CPD Supt. Larry Snelling led a moment of silence for Rivera at a South Side event on Saturday.

He urged the public not to rush to judgment, as the investigation is ongoing.

Snelling says any information gained from a review of what occurred will help inform future training of officers.

Police said Rucker had six outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest.

Rucker is due back in court June 12.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump administration imposes limits on Mexican flights and threatens Delta alliance in trade dispute

The Trump administration places restrictions on flights from Mexico, potentially affecting Delta’s partnership, amid a trade conflict.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration imposed new restrictions Saturday on flights from…
DOD plans to temporarily house migrants at two military bases

Pentagon to Temporarily Shelter Migrants at Two Military Sites

() The Department of Defense is planning to use two U.S. military…
FEMA's flood maps often miss dangerous flash flood risks, leaving homeowners unprepared

FEMA’s Flood Maps May Overlook Hazardous Flash Flood Risks, Leaving Homeowners Unaware

(The Conversation) – Deadly and destructive flash flooding in Texas and several other states in July…
Inside Trump's efforts to break up with Elon Musk

Trump’s Attempts to Distance Himself from Elon Musk

During the peak of President Trump’s public clash with Elon Musk, the…
Mom of congressional intern murdered in DC warns parents it could happen to their kids

Mom of congressional intern murdered in DC warns parents it could happen to their kids

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The mother of a…
Obama allies turn on Gavin Newsom as he knifes Biden

Obama Supporters Criticize Gavin Newsom for Undercutting Biden

For more than four hours the supremely self-assured governor of California held…
A cross between a nicotine pouch and an energy drink: What to know about caffeine pouches

Combining Nicotine Pouches with Energy Drinks: A Guide to Caffeine Pouches

David Gomez, a school resource officer for the Boise County Sheriff’s Office…
ICE raid sparks pandemonium as cops batter agitators blocking bridge

ICE Operation Causes Chaos as Police Clash with Protesters Blocking Bridge

Complete mayhem broke out when an anti-ICE protest devolved into violent clashes…