8 Cops in Laquan McDonald Case Should Be Fired: Chicago Police Superintendent

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson will recommend eight police officers involved in the Laquan McDonald murder case be fired, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.

An announcement could come as early as Thursday, which would leave the matter in the hands of the Chicago Police Board.

All eight have been accused of violating the Chicago Police Department’s Rule 14, which prohibits police officers from giving false information. Several police accounts from the October 2014 incident indicated McDonald, 17, was approaching officer Jason Van Dyke with a knife and that Van Dyke shot him in self-defense.

Video released a year later shows McDonald moving away from police when he was shot 16 times, including a few shots as he was prone on the ground.

Van Dyke has since been charged with first-degree murder.

Read More Here: Cops in Laquan McDonald Case Recommended for Firing

A ninth officer, a woman, was not recommended for firing by Johnson, although an Inspector General report found she should be fired as well, according to the Sun-Times.

Deputy Chief David McNaughton, who signed off on the report following the McDonald incident, has already announced his retirement.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement praising Johnson's decision.

"As the city takes these important steps to hold individuals accountable, we must also recommit ourselves to partnering together to rebuild trust between our police department and our residents," Emanuel wrote. "As Chicagoans who love this city, we must continue to work together to build that brighter tomorrow for everyone."

More via the Chicago Sun-Times

Also on Patch

• Jason Van Dyke Pleads Not Guilty to First-Degree Murder
• Justice Department Will Investigate Chicago Police
• Police Reports of 'Lunging, Knife-Swinging' Laquan McDonald Contradict Video
• Jason Van Dyke's Bail Set at $1.5 Million
• Federal Grand Jury Heard Evidence of 'Deleted' Video
• Judge Asks: Why No Protests for Children Shot Down in Chicago’s Streets?
• City’s Black Leaders Demand Firing of Chicago’s Top Cop
• Video Shows Jason Van Dyke Shoot Laquan McDonald
• Police Union Stands by Officer Charged in Murder of Teen
• Angry Protesters Flood Chicago Streets
• Chicago Cop Charged in ‘Graphic, Violent, Chilling’ Murder

More Chicago Police News

Police Dash-Cam Video Shows Shots Fired at Officers in Carjacking Chase

Charges announced against 24-year-old felon who surrendered Tuesday night. Wounded Chicago officer expected to fully recover. "Police officers face this kind of thing every single day," says police superintendent.