Assign a Special Prosecutor to Investigate the cover-up of the Laquan McDonald execution by an officer of the Chicago Police Department, Jason Van Dyke. If not for a whistle blower in the CPD, the video of this murder would never have become public, and the officer would still be on duty.
Why is this important?
In the City of Big Shoulders, we have witnessed, once again, the killing of a young Black man, by the name of LaQuan McDonald, at the hands of a civil servant called to serve and protect. Chicago, unfortunately, is no stranger to police misconduct and political corruption. For example, a lengthy investigation uncovered forced confessions in the Chicago Police Department under the unethical leadership of then-Commander Jon Burge. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and the 90s, officers under Burge’s leadership routinely tortured citizens until they signed confessions for acts they did not commit. The tragic death of LaQuan McDonald is part of Chicago’s long history of racial tension, failed police policy, and unethical political maneuvering. We are calling upon local and national leaders and activists to join with citizens of Chicago to demand several reforms, including:
· Demilitarization of the Chicago Police Department
· Appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the potential cover-up
· A police department that reflects the community it serves
· Put in place an elected civilian police board with indictment power
· Secure proper funding for restorative justice programs
· The resignation and firing of ALL involved, and
· Indictment of implicated officers and commanders
We are called as people of faith to do justice and to love kindness and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8) We call upon all people of faith and moral courage to join with the citizens of Chicago and demand institutional change to these systemic issues.
