Video Released Of Chicago Cop Repeatedly Shooting Black Teen
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The Chicago policeman has been charged with murder.
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.
“Clearly, this officer went overboard and he abused his authority, and I don’t think use of force was necessary,” top Cook County prosecutor Anita Alvarez said at a news conference after the hearing.
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,” Emanuel told a news conference to announce the release of the video, which was taken by a police patrol car’s dashboard camera. Emanuel was flanked by a dozen community leaders at the news conference.
At the same news conference, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said police would “facilitate” protests but would not tolerate criminal behavior.
Van Dyke was denied bail at a hearing in Chicago’s main criminal courthouse hours after prosecutor Alvarez announced charges of first-degree murder. If convicted, Van Dyke could face 20 years to life in prison.
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