Chance the Rapper references Laquan McDonald case on ‘SNL’

In Chicago, that commonality is not only evident through media reports and statistics, but it is the true cause of why thousands of Chicagoans filled the streets in the name of Mr. McDonald with various forms of protest following the release of a video showing the fatal October shooting.

The Rev. Marvin Hunter, center, the great uncle of Laquan McDonald, accompanied by other family members and supporters, speaks at a news conference Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, in Chicago.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hunter also thanked those who have been demanding justice for McDonald during daily protests in Chicago. There have been allegations of a cover-up and calls for new leadership at City Hall and the State’s Attorney’s office.

McDonald family attorney Jeff Neslund warned the city in a letter to the Corporation Counsel’s office on March 6th of this year: “This case will undoubtedly bring a microscope of national attention to the shooting” and “the City’s pattern, practice and procedures”.

Several religious leaders, who demanded greater transparency with events involving the cops, said they want to collect petition signatures to help pressure the mayor’s ouster. Two black state representatives have introduced a bill that would allow the mayor to be recalled.

The city agreed to a $5 million settlement with McDonald’s family earlier this year before without a lawsuit even being filed. Demonstrators have questioned why it took months to release the video and charge Officer Jason Van Dyke with murder.

Hunter said that McDonald’s mother was not at Friday’s event because she is too hurt and traumatized by the “constant reminder of the senseless death of her son”.

“He didn’t fit in his personality the profile that Jason Van Dyke had of him, and all black boys, in his mind”, Hunter said.

“Not only in Chicago, but across the nation there are bad apples in police departments”.

The day before, student protesters staged a “die-in” at Daley Plaza. Alvarez blamed the delay on the complexities of investigating a police shooting. Emanuel apologized in recent days that the incident occurred under his administration.

The retired-neurosurgeon, however, would not comment of whether Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel should step down, saying he “thinks that’s a decision for the people here in Chicago”. He fired the police chief and named a new head of the independent body that investigates police conduct.