Chicago charges officer in black teen's death, releases video of shooting
US News
Chicago charges officer in black teen’s death, releases video of shooting
A white Chicago policeman was charged on Tuesday with murdering a black teenager, a prosecution that was speeded up in hopes of staving off a fresh burst of the turmoil over race and police use of deadly force that has shaken the United States for more than a year. A highly anticipated video of the Oct. 20, 2014 shooting was released on Tuesday afternoon in accordance with a court order and a day earlier than expected. The video appears to show McDonald carrying a knife but walking away from police before being shot.
Clearly, this officer went overboard and he abused his authority, and I don’t think use of force was necessary.
Cook County prosecutor Anita Alvarez
Seventeen-year-old Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times by police officer Jason Van Dyke, who emptied his gun and prepared to reload, prosecutors said. Van Dyke, 37, has said through his lawyer and the police union that the shooting was justified because he felt threatened by McDonald. If convicted, Van Dyke could face 20 years to life in prison. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appealed for calm as the city prepared for possible protests.
It is fine to be passionate but it essential to remain peaceful.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel
