Fact check: Several vigils held for Ella French in Chicago; mayor didn't ban them

The claim: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot won’t allow tributes to fallen officer Ella French due to COVID-19 regulations

The shooting death of Chicago police officer Ella French sparked sorrow and outrage on social media – as well as some misinformation.

French, 29, was shot and killed in the city’s West Englewood neighborhood Aug. 7 while conducting a traffic stop. Another officer was wounded. French's death reignited tensions between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago police officers, who say they feel undervalued by the city.

An Aug. 13 post on Facebook builds off those tensions.

“Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot won’t let tributes to fallen officer Ella French happen due to COVID regulations,” the post reads, adding that the music festival Lollapalooza, which drew a crowd of more than 300,000 people, was allowed to take place.

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The post was shared more than 1,200 times within one day. But it's wrong – local media and Chicago police have reported a number of vigils honoring French. 

USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment. 

Multiple vigils held for French

Lightfoot has not stopped vigils honoring French. 

On Aug. 9, about 200 officers, police supporters and community members gathered in the neighborhood where French was killed to honor her life. They prayed and released balloons, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. 

Two more vigils were held Aug. 11, both outside police stations. One of the vigils had several hundred attendees, while the other had at least a thousand, local media reported. 

Chicago police have also tweeted photos and videos from a number of vigils. 

“Officers have been paying tribute to the loss of Officer Ella French all week,” the Chicago Police Department tweeted Aug. 13. “Tonight, @ChicagoCAPS04 paid tribute with a beautiful prayer and balloon release. Rest In Peace, Officer French - you will never be forgotten.”

USA TODAY could find no evidence that Lightfoot stopped a vigil due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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Our rating: False

Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that Lightfoot won’t allow tributes to French due to COVID-19. Local media and police have reported a number of vigils in French’s honor. 

Our fact check sources:

• Officer Baker, Aug. 13, Facebook
• Block Club Chicago, Aug, 12, At Vigil Honoring Slain Chicago Police Officer Ella French, Cops Say They Feel Ignored, Unvalued By City And Department
• Chicago Sun-Times, Aug. 9, Vigil honors fallen Chicago Police Officer Ella French
• Chicago Sun-Times, Aug. 11, Hundreds attend prayer service for slain Officer Ella French and her wounded partner
• Chicago Police's Twitter, Aug. 13, Twitter
• USA TODAY, Aug. 8, 'Tragic and sad day': Chicago police officer killed, another wounded in traffic stop shootout
• NBC Chicago, Aug. 12, 203 Lollapalooza Attendees Later Tested Positive for COVID, Chicago's Top Doctor Says

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Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.