| Name: | Barrett, John J. |
| Star: | 557 |
| Rank: | Patrolman |
| District / Unit: | Desplaines Street Station |
| End of Watch: | 04-May-1886 |
| Incident Details: | Police Officer John Barrett, 34, was an 18-month veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 3rd Precinct.
On May 4, 1886, union leaders, socialists, anarchists, and laborers gathered at Haymarket Square. The group of approximately, 1,000 people was protesting work conditions and long work hours. Between 8:00-9:00 p.m., the crowd burst into chaos briefly and nearly 200 police officers from the Desplaines Street Station were dispatched to maintain order. Shortly after, an unknown assailant ignited a bomb in the crowd which led to gunfire and chaos. Both, police officers and civilians were injured and killed during the bedlam. Officer Degan suffered fatal injuries when the bomb exploded. The officer was taken to County Hospital where he died shortly before midnight. Officer Barrett was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. He was survived by his wife mother and sister. |