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Protests Persist, 2 Years After Laquan McDonald's Death

(CBS) – It was a day that changed Chicago forever: the day Chicago police shot and killed Laquan McDonald.

The shocking video of the Oct. 20, 2014 shooting led to criminal investigations, reforms at the Chicago Police Department and mass protests. The protests continued Thursday and marked the two-year anniversary.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos reports.

Activists staged protests at CPD headquarters and along the stretch of Pulaski Road, near 42nd, where 17-year-old McDonald, an African American, was shot by a white police officer Jason Van Dyke. Demonstrators were shooed away from the latter site Thursday night for safety concerns.

The activists lobbied for "Laquan's Law," which is aimed at stopping cover-ups. The proposed legislation would allow for the recall of the mayor, aldermen, or state's attorney.

The fallout from the release of the McDonald dash-cam video was sudden. It cost the police superintendent his job; it cost the city $5 million paid to the McDonald family. Incumbent Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez lost re-election after her opponent said she intentionally delayed filing criminal charges.

Van Dyke faces murder charges; he is free on bond.

Current Police Supt. Eddie Johnson is pursuing termination of Van Dyke and four officers who are accused of an alleged cover-up.

The federal government continues investigations.

 

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