Watch CBS News

Activists Carry Coffin To City Hall, Charging Cover Up In Laquan McDonald Shooting

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Activists protesting the handling of the police shooting of Laquan McDonald targeted City Hall on Saturday.

A few dozen activists carried a coffin and chanted "no more bloodshed" and "16 shots and a cover-up."

McDonald was shot 16 times by officer Jason Van Dyke, who was charged with murder on Tuesday, 13 months after the shooting.

Podcast

"City Hall is where this needs to be because this is where the cover-up took place," said Tio Hardiman. "Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Supt. Garry McCarthy covered up this execution."

The protesters were questioning why there was no audio on the police dash cam video that captured the shooting and also raised concerns that Chicago Police deleted relevant security camera footage from a nearby restaurant.

Police officials have denied charges that the video was deleted.

The protesters say Emanuel, McCarthy and State's Attorney Anita Alvarez need to go.

Rev. Jesse Jackson on Saturday encouraged more demonstrations across the city until those demands have been met. Leaders at Rainbow PUSH indicated protesters are planning to shut down the State Street shopping district next.

Jackson said the $5 million settlement between the city and the McDonald family as a result of Laquan's death was "hush money."

Podcast

He called on the U.S. Justice Department to investigate "tape suppression and cover-up." He also wants other officers who responded to the scene that night charged for failing to blow the whistle on Van Dyke's actions.

On Friday, a group of protesters cut off Jackson's speech on the McDonald shooting when they pulled the leader's microphone and stormed the stairs where he spoke outside the historic Water Tower on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago police say three people were arrested during the demonstrations yesterday.

Also Saturday, activists gathered on the South Side, demanding justice. The group marched along Cottage Grove to the Third District Police Department.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.