During the launch of a new program called “Chicago’s My Brother’s Keeper Cabinet”, which is aimed at helping teens in need, students at Urban Prep began chanting “16 shots!”
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The October 2014 video showed Officer Jason Van Dyke shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald while McDonald appears to be walking away, and continuing to fire while the teen was on the ground.
Protesters march near downtown Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, in Chicago after Mayor Rahm Emanuel apologized for the 2014 shooting of a black teenager during a special City Council meeting.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Van Dyke was indicted by a grand jury on six counts of first-degree murder and one count of official misconduct.
Wednesday’s meetings in Chicago are most likely get-acquainted sessions. The Justice Department said last week that it would be looking at the Chicago department’s used of deadly force.
FILE – In this December 7, 2015 file photo, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, accompanied by Interim Chicago Police Superintendent John Escalante, responds to a question, during a news conference in Chicago.
Over coming months, investigators will talk to everyone from beat cops to elected officials. Baltimore police also are under federal scrutiny, after the death of a black man injured in police custody. “Our mutual goal is to create a stronger, better Police Department that keeps the community safe while respecting the civil rights of every Chicagoan”.
Emanuel told reporters Wednesday he’s been meeting with officers in several districts over the last few days and sees officers’ dedication.
Protesters accuse elected and party officials of ignoring the demands of citizens who are calling for Emanuel to be held accountable for the handling of police misconduct cases. Van Dyke’s attorney Daniel Herbert reportedly did not comment on the indictment.
The assembly marked the first public event in a week for Emanuel, who visits the school often to honor its 100 percent graduation rate.
Emanuel addressed three main themes in his passionate speech: justice, culture and community.
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At the time of the shooting, a representative of the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing rank-and-file officers, said McDonald had lunged at Van Dyke.
