Protesters enraged by what they’ve seen today in the video of the police shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald have taken to the streets of Chicago, with many marching peacefully, some interlocking arms to block intersections and others engaging police officers.
Though the shooting of McDonald by Officer Jason Van Dyke took place over a year ago, it was a lawsuit filed by an independent journalist that set a Nov. 25 deadline for the city to release footage of the incident. Well aware of the reaction the video would ignite, Van Dyke was charged today with first degree murder.
The release of the Chicago police shooting video, by tomorrow, all began with reporter @muckrakery suit this summer pic.twitter.com/CPpzoc7Cn0
— Ari Melber (@AriMelber) November 24, 2015
Important question: Why didn't any establishment media outlet in Chicago sue city for video of #JasonVanDyke killing #LaquanMcDonald?
— Kevin Gosztola (@kgosztola) November 24, 2015
State's Atty Anita Alvarez says she was compelled by the interest of public safety to announce the charges against Van Dyke today.
— Bill Ruthhart (@BillRuthhart) November 24, 2015
State's Atty Anita Alvarez on murder charge: "Pressure? This is not pressure. I would never be pressured into making a decision quickly."
— Bill Ruthhart (@BillRuthhart) November 24, 2015
Not surprisingly, protesters hit the streets as soon as the video hit the Internet.
"16 times!" #LaquanMcDonald Protesters in the street heading west on Roosevelt and Jefferson
— Tony Briscoe (@_TonyBriscoe) November 25, 2015
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Protests in Chicago after video released of deadly police shooting of #LaquanMcDonald. https://t.co/vBT9DNMDiH pic.twitter.com/5odM3M30No
— Slate (@Slate) November 25, 2015
Protesters enclose following squad cars #LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/ORVeJ8sOqp
— Tony Briscoe (@_TonyBriscoe) November 25, 2015
Protesters marching through the streets of Chicago tonight #LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/AUDtP75k0k
— Ashlee Rezin Garcia (@Ashlee_Rezin) November 25, 2015
Marching up Michigan #LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/WBT9qlv302
— Elizabeth Matthews (@ElizabethFox32) November 25, 2015
Group started small has grown to couple hundred marching through streets of #chicago #laquanmcdonald pic.twitter.com/r1ybbrkaPU
— Elizabeth Matthews (@ElizabethFox32) November 25, 2015
#LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/c9eFwitSgN
— Tony Briscoe (@_TonyBriscoe) November 25, 2015
#Chicago police and protestors face to face in front of Dist 1 police headquarters #LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/NwzIT584iX
— Elizabeth Matthews (@ElizabethFox32) November 25, 2015
Very angry comments directed at Chicago Police outside District 1: "What if we became trigger happy?" pic.twitter.com/GhwAuKm4Kx
— Tony Briscoe (@_TonyBriscoe) November 25, 2015
Guy with a low-volume bullhorn going officer to officer couple inches from their faces.
— Peter Nickeas (@PeterNickeas) November 25, 2015
"When I say 'Oink, oink' you say 'Bang! Bang!" #LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/QB6fk3LX1D
— Tony Briscoe (@_TonyBriscoe) November 25, 2015
Activists took to the streets in reaction to the release of a police dash-cam video #Chicago #LaquanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/uVivz6Y9EF
— Chicago Tribune Photo (@ChiTribPhoto) November 25, 2015
WATCH: After release of #LaquanMcDonald video, protesters scuffle with Chicago cops https://t.co/VDrnqgzKdb https://t.co/19j1M50T7L
— CBSN (@CBSNLive) November 25, 2015
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