Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, facing calls for his own resignation, just fired his Police Superintendent.
Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy overnight was fired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel over the handling of the Laquan McDonald case.Â
In a press conference minutes ago, Mayor Emanuel told reporters there is a need to act. He posed the question if the shooting of Laquan McDonald and the investigation into his murder were appropriate.Â
McDonald, who is Black, was shot by a white Chicago police officer, Jason Van Dyke. The graphic and horrific video of the murder were released last week, to outrage nationwide over the shooting, and that the video was blocked from public view for over a year. Van Dyke, who was on desk duty, was arrested and charged with first degree murder just before the video’s release.
Mayor Emanuel also said this morning the use of excessive force by police is nothing new to Chicago. He stated there is a need to “reinvigorate” the people’s trust in the police.
And then, saying the public trust has been “shaken and eroded,” Emanuel announced he had asked for Chicago Police Superintendent McCarthy’s resignation.
Emanuel also announced the creation of a police accountability task force that will be co-chaired by five criminal justice leaders. Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will serve as an advisor.
There have been calls for Emanuel to resign after the delayed release if the video showing the shooting of McDonald, who was shot 16 times within 14 seconds by Van Dyke.
The Editorial Board of the Chicago Sun-Times called for McCarthy’s firing this morning, and an op-ed in today’s New York Times called for top Chicago officials, including Emanuel, to resign.
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EARLIER:
White Chicago Cop Charged With Killing Black Teen Makes Bail
Breaking: Officer Who Shot Laquan McDonald 16 Times in 14 Seconds Gets Bail
Prosecutors: Cop Who Killed Laquan McDonald Fired 16 Shots And Was Reloading, But Told To Stop
Video: Chicago Police Officer Shooting To Death 17 Year Old Laquan McDonald As He Walked Away
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Image: Screenshot via NBC News
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details amy change and it may be updated.
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