Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. attacked outside 27th Ward office

Eric Horng Image
Friday, April 22, 2016
Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. attacked outside his office
One of his staff members said a man approached Burnett and punched him square in the face as he was arriving for "Constituent Night".

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. was attacked as he was entering his office on the Near West Side Thursday night.

One of his staff members said a man approached Burnett and punched him square in the face as he was arriving for "Constituent Night". The alderman suffered a cut but declined to be taken to a hospital.

According to that staff member, the alleged offender had threatened the alderman earlier in the day. He came into the office and said he was going to kill Burnett as well as Mayor Rahm Emanuel. It's unclear what he was angry about.

Burnett is currently serving his sixth term as alderman of the 27th Ward, which covers parts of the North and West sides.

Police confirm they're investigating the alleged battery and said they have a man in custody.