Justice for #LaquanMcDonald: Demands and grievances of Chicago protesters
Chicago has been in an uproar for two days straight as hundreds protest for justice for Laquan McDonald, a black teen shot dead by police a year ago. Activists say the protest will continue into Thanksgiving, if their demands are not met.
Crowds have been flocking to the streets of Chicago since Tuesday night, after the forced release of a dashcam video, which unveiled details of McDonald’s death on October 20, 2014. He was shot dead by a white police officer Jason Van Dyke, 37, who fired at least 16 time, killing the teenager.
RT's Manuel Rapalo is on scene in downtown Chicago at the site of the second night of protests over the released footage of the killing of Laquan McDonald by police. Protesters speak out against the Chicago Police Department and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Posted by RT America on Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Frustrated with police and prosecutors’ reluctance to charge Van Dyke with a murder, protesters are accusing law enforcement of covering up the killing of McDonald. The police officer was officially charged only on Tuesday, a year and one month after fatally shooting the black teenager.
The move, however, has failed to quell protests with hundreds now demanding justice for McDonald and punishment for the state’s law enforcement.
This is more intense than last night. Elm and State #LaquanMcDonaldpic.twitter.com/u2S1gDQj42
— Sam Charles (@samjcharles) November 26, 2015
Activists have outlined several demands, which if not addressed, they warn, would extend their protest into Thanksgiving Day.
The resignation of State's Attorney Anita Alvarez is one of the key demands. Protesters accuse her of “continued protection of violent and corrupt police officers.”
Alvarez said #LaquanMcDonald was 'justified homicide", covered up murder. Resign now! @ActionNowChi@KimFoxxforSApic.twitter.com/cngd9s2iWH
— Byron Sigcho (@ByronSigcho) November 24, 2015
They also demand Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy Protesters to step down for failing to stop “culture violence” towards black people.
.@MalcolmLondon calls for the firing of police superintendent Garry McCarthy. #LaquanMcDonaldpic.twitter.com/42MDpQ0lp2
— Kelly Hayes (@MsKellyMHayes) November 25, 2015
Protesters say all officers who witnessed the shooting of McDonald but remained silent also must be charged.
The @nationalbar & @AttorneyCrump call for the resignations of Chicago's Police Superintendent & State Prosecutor. pic.twitter.com/gq4BB61M2Y
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) November 25, 2015
Activists want a special prosecutor to be appointed for McDonald’s case as well as for all other potential killings by police which may occur in the future.
I'm also asking for @TheJusticeDept to investigate Anita Alvarez, @RahmEmanuel and CPD Superintendent McCarthy #LaquanMcDonald
— Mario (@marioinhydepark) November 25, 2015
On top of that, #LaquanMcDonald protesters demand the UN to immediately investigate the CPD and the Cook County State's Attorney's office for violating the human rights of black people.
Demand Justice for #LaquanMcDonald
UN investigation of Chicago PD & Cook County State's Attorney
https://t.co/TuczgykRkC@C4RacialJustice
— Steve Todd (@stevenwtodd) November 25, 2015
Protesters also demand a meeting with Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.
DEVELOPING:Activists in #LaquanMcDonald protests demand to talk to Chicago mayor https://t.co/3KoaQHHsUypic.twitter.com/v9nhXOl9ZX
— RT America (@RT_America) November 26, 2015
Organizers also request that supporters do not shop on Black Friday.
8 Officers. 1 Teen. 16 Shots.
1 Whole Year Free.
Time to #RedistributeThePain! Boycott Black Friday
#LaquanMcDonaldpic.twitter.com/jxVsFrq5ju
— Justice or Else 2015 (@JusticeOrElse) November 25, 2015
Chicago authorities have not responded to demands yet. Attorney Anita Alvarez previously issued a statement commenting on the delayed accusations. She claimed that her office “took the necessary time that was required to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation.”
Statement just into the newsroom from Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez regarding the #LaquanMcDonald case pic.twitter.com/1mAnVu6DG8
— Sam Charles (@samjcharles) November 25, 2015