On Wednesday, before City Council, Mayor Emanuel apologized for the police misconduct surrounding the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald and denounced the police force’s “code of silence.”
Two weeks ago, a video of a white police officer shooting McDonald, a black teen, 16 times was ordered released by a judge. Officer Jason Van Dyke has now been charged with first-degree murder, and the department has come under fire for claiming that the teen had charged at officers with a knife — while the video clearly shows otherwise. It has also been alleged that the department attempted to cover up the killing, even deleting surveillance footage from a nearby Burger King restaurant.
The mayor also stated, “I take responsibility for what happened because it happened on my watch.”
Emanuel acknowledged that the first step on the journey of rebuilding trust in police within the community was for the city to confront his failings, and that the first step to take was his. He then apologized.
“The first step on that journey is my step,” he said. “And I’m sorry.”
Despite his apology, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets calling for his resignation and demanding that the “sorry” wasn’t good enough.
— debbie southorn (@madlittledebbie) December 9, 2015
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) December 9, 2015
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) December 9, 2015
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) December 9, 2015
— BalladOfADeadSouljah (@BaburRealer) December 9, 2015
Emanuel’s approval ratings have fallen to 35%, the lowest they have ever been, amidst the Justice Department announcing an investigation into the city’s police force on Monday.
Following the release, and allegations of the police deleting footage of the shooting, Emanuel forced the head of the department, Garry McCarthy, to resign. Activists are now demanding the mayor follow suit.
— Krys (@KrystalLoDash) December 9, 2015
