Protesters Disrupt Mundelein Board Meeting, Demand Officer’s Firing Following Fatal Police Shooting

MUNDELEIN, Ill. — October 31, 2026

Tensions continue to escalate in Mundelein as the family of a woman fatally shot by police demands accountability, leading to another disruption of a village board meeting within the same week.

Protesters gathered Thursday afternoon at Mundelein Village Hall, where heightened police security was in place following an earlier demonstration that forced officials to cancel Monday evening’s meeting.

The demonstrations center on the May 11 death of Mary Alice Love, 37, who was fatally shot by Mundelein Police Sgt. Christopher Brigano after officers responded to her family’s home during a reported mental health crisis.

Love’s family and supporters have repeatedly called for Brigano’s dismissal, arguing that the circumstances surrounding her death warrant further accountability.

During Thursday’s public comment period, family members, attorneys, and community advocates addressed village officials for more than an hour. Love’s father, Johnny Love, expressed his determination to continue seeking action, while other speakers criticized the village’s handling of the case and questioned the substantial police presence at the meeting.

Approximately 20 uniformed officers were stationed inside and outside Village Hall, according to published reports. Security measures included inspections of visitors’ belongings and barriers separating attendees from village officials.

The meeting was interrupted when protesters began chanting and confronting officials after public commentary had concluded. Board members temporarily recessed as police moved through the room. The meeting eventually resumed after demonstrators departed, allowing officials to complete their scheduled business. No arrests were reported.

The renewed demonstrations follow an October 22 announcement by Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart that criminal charges would not be filed against Brigano.

Investigators reported that Love approached a sliding glass door while holding two large knives before the officer fired his weapon. However, the family’s account disputes whether Love posed an immediate threat that justified deadly force.

A federal lawsuit filed by Love’s father against Brigano and the Village of Mundelein alleges excessive force and failures in police training and supervision.

Love’s death was classified as a homicide following a July coroner’s inquest. That classification establishes that her death resulted from another person’s actions but does not independently establish criminal wrongdoing.

Brigano remains on paid administrative leave while the village conducts a separate administrative investigation into the shooting.

Mundelein Mayor Robin Meier acknowledged the family’s loss while expressing concern over the interruptions to village proceedings. Meier confirmed that the village has retained an independent law firm to examine investigative reports, video recordings, and other evidence to determine whether officers followed departmental policies, procedures, and training.

Village officials maintain that employment decisions cannot be finalized until the administrative review is completed. The mayor also clarified that the Village Board does not directly control employment decisions involving individual police officers.

The identity of the independent law firm and the expected completion date of its review have not been publicly confirmed.

The controversy has raised broader questions about police responses to mental health emergencies, the use of deadly force, and public accountability in Lake County.

For Love’s family, the decision not to pursue criminal charges has not ended their efforts to seek accountability. Family members and supporters have pledged to continue attending village meetings and organizing demonstrations until their concerns are addressed.

The Mundelein Village Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m.

The administrative investigation and federal lawsuit remain ongoing.

Pulse Radio 96.1 will continue following developments in this case and its impact on the Lake County community.