27, November 2015 Police Brutality & Cover-up
The gruesome killing of
17-year-old African-American, Laquan McDonald, in a hail of 16 bullets,
including multiple times in the back, occurred more than a year ago. Chicago
police officer, Van Dyke, who has been charged with first-degree murder began
shooting 6 seconds after arriving on the scene. Laquan’s final moments were
captured on the dashboard camera.
After months of foot
dragging a judge ordered the video of the killing to be released. 400 days have
elapsed and every effort was made to prevent the release of the video which
clearly implicates senior police officials and high government Chicago
officials including Mayor Rahm Emmanuel. Van Dyke
received full pay during the 400 days.
He had at least 20
civilian complaints against him, which included excessive use of force, illegal
arrest and use of racial slurs. None of these complaints resulted in any
disciplinary action.
Chicago Mayor Rahm
Emanuel’s claim that he had not seen the video seems highly unlikely given that
he approved a $5 million settlement to the family earlier this year, even
before the family had filed a lawsuit. The Mayor and the State’s Attorney,
Anita Alvarez stated “they were saddened, outraged, disturbed when they saw the
video.” It is a pity they didn’t express outrage over Van Dyke prior
unprofessional conduct and failed to take remedial action. The police chief
should be fired and Mayor Emanuel should be severely censored for his
complicity in prolonging the course of justice.
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