U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Laquan McDonald Video Release

U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Laquan McDonald Video Release

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement regarding the release of video footage showing the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald:

"Like many Americans across the country, I am deeply outraged and troubled by the senseless killing of Laquan McDonald, which was brought to light over a year after his gruesome death with yesterday’s release of video footage. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who are still mourning his tragic loss. The video footage shows an overwhelming number of police officers converging on a young man, who posed no physical threat, being fatally shot by one officer 16 times.

"This event took place in October of 2014 and came to light only after a judge ordered the Chicago Police Department to release a dashcam video of the incident. This case raises many troubling questions about the prosecutorial mishandling and police misconduct during the investigation of Mr. McDonald’s death. The city of Chicago’s $5 million settlement with Mr. McDonald’s family before the video was publicly released and prior to Officer Van Dyke being charged is outrageous. Furthermore, allegations concerning obstruction of justice by the Chicago Police Department warrants a comprehensive pattern and practice investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.

"I urge Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division to expedite the ongoing investigation into Laquan McDonald's death.

"I stand in solidarity with those who are peacefully demonstrating in Chicago, New York, and around the nation over Mr. McDonald’s death and remain stalwart in my support of calling for greater transparency from law enforcement moving forward and an improvement of relations between law enforcement and minority communities."

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