A lot of people are understandably pissed off over all charges against Jussie Smollett being dropped. But something tells us they’re about to get a lot more pissed:
An important thread to understand what’s unfolding in Chicago today: https://t.co/x66PcqbNzA
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) March 26, 2019
Everyone claiming that Smollett is innocent needs to read this.
The prosecutor is literally saying the opposite. https://t.co/L3d6wX2hcK
— RBe (@RBPundit) March 26, 2019
Here’s what assistant state’s attorney Joe Magats had to say:
NEW from Chicago: Joe Magats, the first assistant state's attorney who made the final decision to drop the charges against Jussie Smollett, says in an interview: "We didn't exonerate him."
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
Magats, the asst state's atty, said he saw no problems with the police investigation or the evidence against Smollett. The charges against Smollett were dropped in return for his agreement to do community service, he said, and for forfeiting his bond to the city of Chicago.
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
More from the asst state's attorney: "Here's the thing — we work to prioritize violent crime and the drivers of violent crime. Public safety is our number one priority. I don't see Jussie Smollett as a threat to public safety."
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
"We stand behind the investigation, we stand behind the decision to charge him and we stand behind the charges in the case. The mere fact that it was disposed of in an alternative manner does not mean that there were any problems or infirmities in the case or the evidence."
— Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) March 26, 2019
So, Magats is admitting that Smollett may very well be guilty of the crimes of which he was accused? But that it’s OK because he’s not “a threat to public safety”?
Might want to let Smollett know since he's out there saying he was the victim of a hate crime. https://t.co/HS9VMB61wa
— RBe (@RBPundit) March 26, 2019
Maybe tell someone else, while they’re at it:
Someone tell @brianstelter https://t.co/6OkHsjWwYO
— Lee Doren (@LDoren) March 26, 2019
Though it’s not as if Stelter will care.
The evidence against Smollett is overwhelming.@brianstelter, he is not a "victim" again. He got off. https://t.co/5trxx5Cgxu
— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) March 26, 2019
It certainly looks that way.
This is the most absurd statement imaginable.
Had the video camera been turned the other way, and saw the fake attack, there would have been a riot. https://t.co/Z7kJCATs33
— Lee Doren (@LDoren) March 26, 2019
"I don't see Jussie Smollett as a threat to public safety."
Apparently 300M exploding heads don't count.https://t.co/hVPun5obaE pic.twitter.com/DpxSSQZnCV
— Jeryl Bier (@JerylBier) March 26, 2019
Chicago’s really working overtime to hold onto that reputation for corruption.
I thought that enforcing the law was your job.
Can anyone who doesn't commit a violent crime forfeit bond, opt for community service and get their name and record cleared?
Because, last I heard, laws are supposed to be applied equally. https://t.co/zsas5BVwFw— Michelle Ray (@GaltsGirl) March 26, 2019
So the official explanation is “He was guilty but it wasn’t worth our time to even offer a plea deal” https://t.co/KKnb16hFmu
— Allahpundit (@allahpundit) March 26, 2019
So if it is not a violent crime and the suspect is not a threat to public safety, the Chicago state attorney drops cases? https://t.co/HADNOIgHrB
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) March 26, 2019
Evidently.
My jaw is on the floor. https://t.co/UUMLRSnPTx
— EducatëdHillbilly™ (@RobProvince) March 26, 2019
Join the club.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional text and a tweet.