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Generational Conflict Evident Among Laquan McDonald Protesters

(CBS) --There was more generational conflict during a demonstration Monday to protest the death of Laquan McDonald.

Religious leaders led a prayer vigil outside Chicago police headquarters at 35th and Michigan. Younger protesters insisted prayer is not enough to get justice.

CBS 2's Jim Williams reports.

There were two responses to the death of McDonald, a 17-year-old African American who was fatally shot by a white officer more than a year ago. One style of protest was traditional, the other more spirited and even confrontational.

The demonstration drew several dozen people of different races. There was dismay that Officer Jason Van Dyke, who fired 16 rounds into McDonald, was freed on bond.

"I don't think it's fair but that's the system right now," Pastor Tim Morris said.

It's a system some are still trying to change by using the manual of the traditional civil rights movement, driven by the church.

But when the praying was over, a smaller, younger group confronted the officers guarding Public Safety Building.

"Sixteen shots!" protesters chanted.

Much to the chagrin of Pastor Bernard Jakes.

"That's not what this purpose was for. … The purpose was to pray," he said.

Quovadis Green has a different strategy.

"It has to be more than prayer. It has to be more than a gathering. It has to be more than coming together and just holding hands," he said.

The conflicting styles have been on display for the last week, following the court-ordered release of dash-cam video of McDonald's death. During an organized march on Michigan Avenue Friday to disrupt the start of the Christmas shopping season, some protesters shouted down civil-rights icon Jesse Jackson Sr. and continued blocking entrances to some Magnificent Mile stores throughout the evening.

Monday's protest ended without incident. Green's young group vows to continue their protest for days to come.

Jessica Kiragu, a former Chicago resident back in town for the holidays, attended the vigil with her five-year-old and a newborn.

"Social justice is very important to us as a family, and it's important that our kids grow up knowing that some people are not treated the same as others," she said.

Vigil organizers are calling for a federal investigation into the McDonald case, police to work more proactively with faith leaders. They also said church and leaders should increase their advocacy for justice for Chicago's young people.

Vigil Held Outside Police HQ

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