The AP, which filed open-records requests, said that thousands of emails were released regarding the case of McDonald, the black 17-year-old shot by a white police officer, including messages indicating Emanuel’s advisers recognized within months the case’s political ramifications.
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Since the graphic video of 17-year-old McDonald’s death at the hands of police was released to the public just before Thanksgiving, protests have sprouted up demanding the resignations of key officials involved in what activists call a “cover up” of the circumstances of his shooting.
The calls for action are the latest response to a wave of police shootings and protests by the black community.
Emanuel cut his Cuban vacation short this week and returned to Chicago to respond to another police shooting, this time involving an allegedly mentally unstable man and a neighbor.
Velinda Simpson, whose 36-year-old son Ashton Simpson was fatally shot on September 14, protests with Father Michael Pfleger and…
Two more police killings over the weekend further inflamed tensions in the Windy City, where cops accidentally gunned down a 55-year-old woman while shooting at a 19-year-old who was allegedly acting “combative” following a family fight.
Mr Van Dyke pleaded not guilty this week to a charge of murder. Mr. Hunter said he thought the trial should be televised in the interest of transparency.
Van Dyke’s attorney told reporters he has no opinion yet on whether the trial should be televised and said he has not yet decided if he will ask that the trial be moved to a location outside Cook County. However, the video clearly shows McDonald was walking away from Van Dyke.
The city released the emails a day after Emanuel said police must be better trained.
“In 2016 you’re going to see a sea change in how police see use of force, and Chicago is going to be front and center, as one of the largest departments in the country”, Wexler said.
A vigil by former students is planned for LeGrier on Tuesday evening at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, a selective enrollment high school LeGrier had attended, said Daniel Bauer, assistant principal.
About 1,860 officers – or roughly 15 per cent of Chicago’s police force – have completed the the department’s crisis-intervention team training, according to department statistics.
Van Dyke’s lawyer has said his client intends to plead not guilty, and is seeking to have the case tried outside of Cook County.
Van Dyke, who is no longer being paid, has been free since posting bond.
Jason Van Dyke’s hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Chicago.
Van Dyke could face a prison sentence of 20 years to life if convicted.
Next week, Chicago police officers are expected to start receiving the new training, some of which will involve officers’ being taught to use time to resolve incidents and the least amount of force possible, the Tribune reported.
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Public outcry has been furious since a dashcam video was released last month showing Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times.
