Dec. 07--The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and several African-American lawmakers led the latest Laquan McDonald protest Sunday through the streets of downtown Chicago, calling for a special prosecutor to try the case and a federal investigation into the Chicago Police Department.
About 300 people snarled traffic downtown as Jackson's social change organization Rainbow PUSH/Coalition organized a march from Van Buren and State streets to the Thompson Center, at times stopping at intersections to kneel in prayer. The demonstration follows the controversial dash-cam video showing Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke fatally shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times.
"We care because all of our children matter," Jackson said. "We want Jason (Van Dyke) to be in jail. Those who watched him and falsified reports must join him. We want a special prosecutor to try the case. (Cook County State's Attorney) Anita Alvarez cannot try the case. She is a person of interest."
Jackson's speech was preceded by Ald. Pat Dowell and Ald. Emma Mitts, who also criticized the Chicago Police Department.
However, some protesters booed and chanted "You knew!" during speeches by the aldermen, saying they believed some city officials had more knowledge of the incident when they approved a $5 million settlement in April for McDonald's family.
"It's obvious they had information of what took place," said Kim Harris, a Chicago native who lives in Holland, Mich. ... "The pollution that takes place in politics is because people are involved in a cover-up."
tbriscoe@tribpub.com
