murder of Laquan McDonald

File:Laquan Mcdonald.jpg

Laquan Joseph McDonald (September 25, 1997 – October 20, 2014){{Cite web|url=https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/OIG/Documents/oig_annual_report_2016.pdf|title=Report to the Governor and the General Assembly|last=Kane|first=Denise|date=January 2016|website=Illinois.gov|publisher=Office of the Inspector General, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services|pages=52–3|access-date=January 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129021834/https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/OIG/Documents/oig_annual_report_2016.pdf|archive-date=January 29, 2016|url-status=dead}} was from the 37th Ward of Chicago.Heinzmann, David (December 2, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-laquan-mcdonald-trouble-met-20151211-story.html The complicated, short life of Laquan McDonald]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 12, 2015. According to NBC Chicago news, McDonald earned $1,100 working after school in the Youth Advocate Program in 2014. His final report card showed that he had earned an A in personal finance and music, a B in world studies and reading, and Cs in biology and algebra. He had a younger sister and brother. One of McDonald's teachers described him as "very respectful and reserved". The teacher added that McDonald "was not aggressive".{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Who-Was-LaQuan-McDonald-Chicago-Teen-353098181.html|title=Who Was Laquan McDonald?|date=November 24, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090202/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/who-was-laquan-mcdonald-chicago-teen/2076793/|url-status=live}}

Toxicology reports later revealed that McDonald had PCP in his blood and urine at the time of the encounter with police.{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-police-shooting-16-shots-met-20150414-story.html|title=PCP found in body of teen shot 16 times by Chicago cop|first=Jeremy|last=Gorner|date=April 15, 2015|access-date=October 10, 2018|newspaper=Chicago Tribune }} Defense expert pharmacologist James Thomas O’Donnell testified that the amount found was enough to suggest he had taken the drug on the day of the shooting, and that it could cause "significant bizarre behavior".{{cite web | last=Seidel | first=Jon | title=Van Dyke Trial Day 15: Officers taught to 'shoot until the threat is eliminated' | website=Chicago Sun-Times | date=September 27, 2018 | url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/9/27/18444151/van-dyke-trial-day-15-officers-taught-to-shoot-until-the-threat-is-eliminated | access-date=June 16, 2019 | archive-date=February 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090102/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/9/27/18444151/van-dyke-trial-day-15-officers-taught-to-shoot-until-the-threat-is-eliminated | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Van Dyke 'was taught to shoot rapidly,' police instructor says | website=wgntv.com | date=September 27, 2018 | url=https://wgntv.com/2018/09/27/jason-van-dyke-trial-laquan-mcdonald-defense-testimony/ | access-date=June 16, 2019 | archive-date=February 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090149/https://wgntv.com/news/jason-van-dyke-trial-laquan-mcdonald-defense-testimony/ | url-status=live }}

Jason D. Van Dyke (born {{circa}} 1978) was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and graduated from Hinsdale South High School in 1996. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from St. Xavier University in Chicago. A 14-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, Van Dyke is married and has two children.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-cop-jason-van-dyke-charged-with-murder-in-killing-of-black-teen-laquan-mcdonald/|title=Chicago cop charged with murder in killing of black teen|publisher=CBS News|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=November 25, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090105/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-cop-jason-van-dyke-charged-with-murder-in-killing-of-black-teen-laquan-mcdonald/|url-status=live}} Since 2001, some 20 citizen complaints have been filed against Officer Van Dyke, but none resulted in disciplinary action.Rogers, Phil (November 25, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/City-Records-Show-Officer-in-Laquan-McDonald-Shooting-Had-Previous-Complaints-353396751.html City Records Show Officer in Laquan McDonald Shooting Had Previous Complaints] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090126/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/city-records-show-officer-in-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-had-previous-complaints/1989540/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago.{{Cite web|title = Citizens Police Data Project|url = http://cpdb.co/officer/jason-van-dyke/7655|website = cpdb.co|access-date = November 28, 2015|archive-date = December 8, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208175323/http://cpdb.co/officer/jason-van-dyke/7655|url-status = live}} Ten of the complaints allege he used excessive force, and two involve the use of a firearm.Castillejo, Esther (November 25, 2014). "[https://abcnews.go.com/US/past-complaints-chicago-cop-charged-teens-slaying/story?id=35415122 Chicago Cop Charged in Teen’s Slaying Has History of Complaints for Misconduct] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090053/https://abcnews.go.com/US/past-complaints-chicago-cop-charged-teens-slaying/story?id=35415122 |date=February 10, 2021 }}". ABC News. November 28, 2015. A jury awarded a Chicago man $350,000 after determining Van Dyke employed excessive force during a traffic stop.McLaughlin, Elliot C. (November 26, 2015). "[http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/25/us/jason-van-dyke-previous-complaints-lawsuits/index.html Chicago officer had history of complaints before Laquan McDonald shooting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090018/https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/25/us/jason-van-dyke-previous-complaints-lawsuits/index.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}". CNN. One complaint involved verbal abuse by Van Dyke, who used a racial slur.{{Cite news|title = Complaints Against Police Officer Jason Van Dyke|url = https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/18/us/chicago-police-complaints.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = November 18, 2015|access-date = November 28, 2015|issn = 0362-4331|archive-date = February 10, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090028/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/18/us/chicago-police-complaints.html|url-status = live}} Van Dyke was involved in preparing questionable documentation of a separate shooting in 2005.{{cite news|title = Cop in Laquan McDonald video tied to another police shooting death|url = http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-jason-van-dyke-shooting-investigation-20151202-story.html|newspaper = Chicago Tribune|access-date = December 4, 2015 |date=December 2, 2015}}

According to CNN, "the Chicago Police Department has about 12,000 officers. Like Van Dyke, 402 officers have 20 or more complaints on file in the database. The most complaints against any officer, according to the database, is 68. The database shows that of the 20 complaints against Van Dyke, none resulted in discipline. Five complaints in the database were "not sustained", five were unfounded, four resulted in exoneration, five had unknown outcomes, and one resulted in no action taken."

Shortly before 10:00 p.m., police were called to investigate McDonald at 4100 South Pulaski Road, responding to reports that he was carrying a knifeSweeney, Annie; Meisner, Jason (November 25, 2014). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-cop-shooting-video-release-laquan-mcdonald-20151124-story.html A moment by moment account of what the Laquan McDonald video shows]". Chicago Tribune.Ford, Dana; Botelho, Greg (November 24, 2015). "[http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/us/laquan-mcdonald-chicago-shooting-video/ Chicago protesters march as police release video of officer shooting teen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090021/https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/us/laquan-mcdonald-chicago-shooting-video/index.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Retrieved November 24, 2014. and breaking into vehicles in a trucking yard at 41st Street and Kildare Avenue.{{cite magazine|last1=Sanburn|first1=Josh|title=Chicago Releases Video of Laquan McDonald Shooting|url=https://time.com/4126670/chicago-releases-video-of-laquan-mcdonald-shooting/|magazine=Time|access-date=November 26, 2015|date=November 24, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090031/https://time.com/4126670/chicago-releases-video-of-laquan-mcdonald-shooting/|url-status=live}} When officers confronted McDonald, he used a knife with a {{convert|3|in|cm|adj=on}} blade to slice the tire on a patrol vehicle and damage its windshield.{{cite web|last1=Ford|first1=Quinn|title=Cops: Boy, 17, fatally shot by officer after refusing to drop knife|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-chicago-shootings-violence-20141021-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 26, 2015|date=October 21, 2014}} McDonald walked away from police after numerous verbal instructions from officers to drop the knife,{{cite web|last1=Good|first1=Dan|title=Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke emptied his pistol and reloaded as teen Laquan McDonald lay on ground during barrage; cop charged with murder for firing 16 times|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/shot-laquan-mcdonald-emotionless-court-arrival-article-1.2445077|website=NY Daily News|access-date=November 26, 2015|date=November 24, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090023/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/shot-laquan-mcdonald-emotionless-court-arrival-article-1.2445077|url-status=live}} at which point responding officers requested Taser backup, according to radio recordings released December 30, 2015, to Politico and NBC Chicago in response to Illinois Freedom of Information Act requests.Chen, Kelly (December 24, 2015). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-audio_567b5effe4b014efe0d813a0 Audio Of Laquan McDonald Shooting Released] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090032/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-audio_n_567b5effe4b014efe0d813a0 |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Huffington Post. Retrieved January 1, 2016.

Video of the murder shows that Van Dyke was advancing on McDonald, while McDonald was walking away from Van Dyke when the first shot was fired. The first shot hit McDonald, who spun and fell to the ground."[http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/24/city-to-release-video-of-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-tuesday-afternoon/ City Releases Graphic Video Of Laquan McDonald Shooting Tuesday Afternoon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228020810/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/24/city-to-release-video-of-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-tuesday-afternoon/ |date=December 28, 2015 }}" (November 24, 2015). CBS Chicago. Retrieved January 1, 2016. As McDonald lay on the ground, still holding the knife, Van Dyke fired more shots into him.{{cite web|author=Marnati, Raeanna|url=http://www.fox21online.com/news/local-news/graphic-video-released-of-chicago-fatal-officerinvolved-shooting/36643788|title=WARNING: (Graphic Video) Video Released of Chicago Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting|publisher=Fox 21|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=November 26, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127214055/http://www.fox21online.com/news/local-news/graphic-video-released-of-chicago-fatal-officerinvolved-shooting/36643788|archive-date=November 27, 2015}} In total, Van Dyke fired 16 shots at McDonald in 14–15 seconds, expending the maximum capacity of his 9 mm semi-automatic firearm.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34917287|title=Laquan McDonald: How a Chicago teenager was shot dead by police|work=BBC News|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090045/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34917287|url-status=live}} Van Dyke was on the scene for less than 30 seconds before opening fire, and began shooting approximately six seconds after exiting his car. The first responding officer said that he did not see the need to use force, and none of the approximately eight other officers on the scene fired their weapons.

McDonald was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:42 p.m.{{cite news|last=Levine|first=Sam|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-video_5655ca26e4b08e945fea9488|title=Here's How The Laquan McDonald Shooting Differs From What Police Said Happened|date=November 25, 2015|newspaper=Huffington Post|access-date=November 26, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090033/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-video_n_5655ca26e4b08e945fea9488|url-status=live}}

The initial police portrayals of the incident, consisting of about 400 pages of typed and handwritten reports,Medina, John (December 8, 2015). "[http://www.dispatchtimes.com/new-discrepancies-in-laquan-mcdonald-case/174879/ New Discrepancies in Laquan McDonald Case] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130144310/http://www.dispatchtimes.com/new-discrepancies-in-laquan-mcdonald-case/174879/ |date=January 30, 2016 }}". Dispatch Times. Retrieved January 7, 2016. prompted police supervisors to rule the case a justifiable homicide and within the bounds of the department's use of force guidelines. The reports did not say how many times McDonald was shot, and said that McDonald was acting "crazed" and lunged at officers after refusing to drop his knife. Michael D. Robbins, one of the attorneys representing the McDonald estate, said his initial thoughts were that, "I didn't think there was a case if he had lunged at a police officer", adding, "The police narrative, without exception, is that the use of force is justified and necessary, which it sometimes is."

One police report described that McDonald "raised the knife across chest" and pointed it at Van Dyke.{{Cite news |last=Tareen |first=Sophia |last2=Johnson |first2=Carla K. |date=December 5, 2015 |title=Chicago cops' versions of teen's killing at odds with video |url=https://apnews.com/article/edac10c54c0f48779cfc9aa839d0ffc9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807210834/https://apnews.com/article/edac10c54c0f48779cfc9aa839d0ffc9 |archive-date=2024-08-07 |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=Associated Press}} Van Dyke told investigators that he feared McDonald would rush him with the knife or throw it at him, and he also recalled a 2012 Police Department bulletin warning about a knife that was also capable of firing a bullet, as well as throwing knives and also spring-loaded knives capable of propelling the blade."[http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/obscure-knife-gun-cited-in-laquan-mcdonald-case-1.11196517 Obscure knife-gun cited in Chicago police shooting case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090113/https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/obscure-knife-gun-cited-in-laquan-mcdonald-case-1.11196517 |date=February 10, 2021 }}" (December 5, 2015). The Associated Press. Retrieved January 7, 2016. One report noted that McDonald's knife, "was in the open position", but when announcing charges against Van Dyke, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez said that the knife was found folded at the scene.

File:Laquan McDonald autopsy.jpg

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office's autopsy report, which was revealed by journalist Jamie Kalven through a public records request,Dumke, Mick; Novak, Tim (December 19, 2015). "[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1192113/1-million-per-shot-laquan-mcdonald-settlement-unfolded-initial-demand $1 million per shot — how Laquan McDonald settlement unfolded after that initial demand] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221233455/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1192113/1-million-per-shot-laquan-mcdonald-settlement-unfolded-initial-demand |date=December 21, 2015 }}". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved January 1, 2016. McDonald was shot in his neck, chest, back, both arms, and right leg, and he also had a graze wound on his left scalp.{{cite news|author1=Gorner, Jeremy |author2=Meisner, Jason |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-feds-probe-police-shooting-met-20150413-story.html|title=FBI investigating death of teen shot 16 times by Chicago cop|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=April 14, 2015|access-date=November 25, 2015}} Nine of the 16 shots hit McDonald's back,Louis, Errol (December 2, 2015). "[http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/30/opinions/louis-rahm-emanuel-chicago-shooting/ Chicago politics: How justice was delayed for Laquan McDonald] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090030/https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/30/opinions/louis-rahm-emanuel-chicago-shooting/index.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}". CNN. Retrieved December 31, 2015. and he was shot as he lay on the ground.Davey, Monica; Smith, Mitch (December 6, 2015). "[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/07/us/justice-dept-expected-to-investigate-chicago-police-after-laquan-mcdonald-case.html?_r=0 Justice Officials to Investigate Chicago Police Department After Laquan McDonald Case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090032/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/07/us/justice-dept-expected-to-investigate-chicago-police-after-laquan-mcdonald-case.html?_r=0 |date=February 10, 2021 }}". New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2015. His death was ruled a homicide.

Five police videos of the murder are known to exist, including the view from a camera mounted in the marked police SUV that Van Dyke was riding in as he and his partner responded to the scene.Gorner, Jeremy (December 4, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-shooting-laquan-mcdonald-burger-king-video-met-20151203-story.html Chicago officials release Burger King video from Laquan McDonald shooting]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 4, 2016. The videos show that at least eight police vehicles responded to the scene, but as of 2015 no video had been released from the other three vehicles. Chicago police officers are required to make sure that their video systems are working properly,{{cite web|url=http://directives.chicagopolice.org/lt2015/data/a7a57bf0-12dc41eb-af712-dc48-ff1427a411b25de4.html|title=Special Order S03-05: In-Car Video Systems|work=chicagopolice.org|date=February 23, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125190221/http://directives.chicagopolice.org/lt2015/data/a7a57bf0-12dc41eb-af712-dc48-ff1427a411b25de4.html|archive-date=November 25, 2015}} and that they should "submit a ticket if they are unable to download digitally recorded data." There were no repair tickets requested by any of the three vehicles missing video on the scene that night.Marin, Carol; Moseley, Don (November 13, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Police-Dashboard-Cameras-Questioned-347836441.html Chicago Police Dashboard Cameras Questioned in Death of Teen Shot By Cop] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090032/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/police-dashboard-cameras-questioned/2000338/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago.

When video footage was initially released, it did not contain audio,Marin, Carol; Moseley, Don (July 15, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Audio-Missing-on-Police-Shooting-Video-315614491.html Audio Missing on Dashcam Video of Teen Shot 16 Times by Chicago Cop: Attorneys] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090048/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/audio-missing-on-police-shooting-video/95743/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago. although Chicago Police dashboard cameras should automatically record audio when the video recording is activated. According to a CPD video, "The in-car camera system automatically engages both the audio and the video recording when the vehicles' emergency roof lights are activated," and each vehicle has a front and rear camera and microphone. City officials initially blamed a technical problem. It was later revealed that the audio recording equipment in officer Van Dyke's vehicle had been "intentionally damaged," according to records from police technicians.Konkol, Mark; Biasco, Paul (January 27, 2016). "[https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160127/archer-heights/whats-behind-no-sound-syndrome-on-chicago-police-dashcams Chicago Police Hid Mics, Destroyed Dashcams To Block Audio, Records Show] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128171730/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160127/archer-heights/whats-behind-no-sound-syndrome-on-chicago-police-dashcams |date=January 28, 2016 }}". DNAinfo Chicago. Retrieved January 28, 2016. Another car's audio was disabled, as the microphones were in the glove compartment, with the batteries inserted backwards. For a third, a mobile start-up recorder was corrupted, and another camera was processing other video at the time.{{cite news |first1=Carol |last1=Marin |first2=Don |last2=Moseley |date=February 11, 2016 |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Police-Documents-Show-Why-No-Audio-In-McDonald-Shooting-368565101.html |title=Police Documents Reveal Why Dashcam Video of Laquan McDonald Shooting Was Missing Audio |work=NBC Chicago |access-date=February 14, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090035/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/police-documents-show-why-no-audio-in-mcdonald-shooting/2019454/ |url-status=live }} The Sun-Times published that a sergeant reported officers throwing their microphones on the roof of the Jefferson Park police station to the Internal Police Review Authority, a month and a half before the release of the Laquan McDonald dashcam video in an apparent protest against being recorded.[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1190969/22-police-shootings-audio 22 police shootings in Chicago this year — and no audio in any]". Chicago-Sun Times. Retrieved February 14, 2016. Main, Frank; Dumke, Mick (December 19, 2015). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222183849/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1190969/22-police-shootings-audio |date=February 22, 2016 }} Fraternal Order of Police president Dean Angelo defended officers in an interview, saying that operator error could be any number of accidents, adding, "Things always trickle downhill so it winds up the responsibility of the beat officer—God forbid it's the responsibility of the agency."Lartey, Jamiles (January 28, 2016). "[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/28/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-jason-van-dyke-dashcam-mic-destroyed-chicago-police Laquan McDonald shooting: officer's dashcam mic 'intentionally destroyed'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090108/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/28/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-jason-van-dyke-dashcam-mic-destroyed-chicago-police |date=February 10, 2021 }}". The Guardian. Retrieved February 14, 2016.

There was also a security camera at a nearby Burger King restaurant that possibly captured the shooting, but during the time of the shooting, there is a gap of 86 minutesMarin, Carol; Moseley, Don (May 26, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/laquan-mcdonald-investigation-305105631.html Missing Minutes From Security Video Raises Questions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090038/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/laquan-mcdonald-investigation/53599/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago. in the recording.Marin, Carol; Moseley, Don (November 24, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Alvarez-Addresses-Missing-Minutes-From-Security-Video-in-Laquan-McDonald-Case-353209051.html Alvarez Addresses Missing Minutes From Security Video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090038/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/alvarez-addresses-missing-minutes-from-security-video-in-laquan-mcdonald-case/1989502/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago. The manager of the restaurant said that on the night of the shooting, five Chicago police officers gained access to the video and passwords on the equipment, and that by the time the Independent Police Review Authority requested to view the footage the next day, it had been erased.{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/burger-king-manager-believes-cops-wiped-laquan-mcdonald-vide-article-1.2448811 |title=Burger King manager believes Chicago cops deleted surveillance footage after Laquan McDonald shooting |last1=Hensley |first1=Nicole |date=November 27, 2015 |website=www.nydailynews.com |publisher=New York Daily News |access-date=November 28, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090047/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/burger-king-manager-believes-cops-wiped-laquan-mcdonald-vide-article-1.2448811 |url-status=live }} The Tribune later obtained footage showing a Chicago police employee working on the restaurant's computers after the shooting. However, according to FBI sources, the video taken from the Burger King surveillance camera was not altered, and there were gaps throughout the surveillance video, because the system at Burger King was a "mess".Spielman, Fran; Main, Frank (November 30, 2015). "[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1141111/source-fbi-finds-burger-king-video-not-altered-in-laquan-mcdonald-case Source: FBI finds Burger King video not altered in Laquan McDonald case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211003313/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1141111/source-fbi-finds-burger-king-video-not-altered-in-laquan-mcdonald-case |date=December 11, 2015 }}". Chicago Sun-Times.{{cite web|url=http://wgntv.com/2015/12/01/burger-king-video-of-mcdonald-shooting-not-tampered-with-sources/|title=Burger King video of McDonald shooting not tampered with: sources|work=WGN-TV|date=December 1, 2015|access-date=December 28, 2015|archive-date=January 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105201043/http://wgntv.com/2015/12/01/burger-king-video-of-mcdonald-shooting-not-tampered-with-sources/|url-status=live}}

Attorneys for the estate of Laquan McDonald entered into negotiations with the City of Chicago to settle claims arising out of his murder. The Chicago City Council approved a $5 million settlement to McDonald's family on April 15, 2015, although the family had not yet filed a wrongful death lawsuit.{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Marissa |title=Police Shoot, Kill Knife-Wielding Teen On South Side |publisher=CBS Chicago |date=October 21, 2014 |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/10/21/police-shoot-kill-knife-wielding-teen-on-south-side |access-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022024752/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/10/21/police-shoot-kill-knife-wielding-teen-on-south-side/ |url-status=live }} Emails from the mayor's office surrounding the case later revealed the settlement deal was finalized the day after the Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, secured his second term by a run-off election. Part of the settlement agreement required that the video be sealed until investigations were completed, which could have delayed the release of the video for years."[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/01/chicago-officials-delayed-release-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-video Chicago officials delayed release of Laquan McDonald shooting video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090149/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/01/chicago-officials-delayed-release-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-video |date=February 10, 2021 }}" (January 1, 2016). The Guardian. Retrieved January 3, 2016. Aldermen were not shown the dash-cam video before approving the settlement, although city Corporation Counsel Stephen Patton said that the existence of the video influenced the council's decision to settle before a lawsuit, and details about the video were given to the Finance Committee during a hearing. The decision took only "5 seconds out of a two hour, 45 minute meeting" to approve.Placko, Dane (December 10, 2015). "[http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/56915818-story City Council took just seconds to approve $5M Laquan McDonald settlement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214151214/http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/56915818-story |date=December 14, 2015 }}". Fox 32 Chicago. Retrieved January 1, 2016. Dick Simpson, a UIC political scientist and former Chicago alderman, said "It's odd, not only in this case, but maybe in others, that there isn't more debate on the floor, because that's where the public gets informed."

Reporters noted inconsistencies between the narrative police told reporters, the autopsy, and an anonymous eyewitness account before the video was publicly released.Kalven, Jamie. "[http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/02/laquan_mcdonald_shooting_a_recently_obtained_autopsy_report_on_the_dead.html Sixteen Shots: Chicago police have told their version of how 17-year-old black teen Laquan McDonald died. The autopsy tells a different story.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090133/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/02/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-a-recently-obtained-autopsy-report-on-the-dead-teen-complicates-the-chicago-police-departments-story.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}" Slate. Retrieved December 31, 2015. A whistle-blower expressed concern over the handling of the McDonald shooting a few weeks after the shooting, revealing "that there was a video and that it was horrific", to journalist Jamie Kalven and attorney Craig Futterman.Black, Curtis (November 24, 2015). "[http://chicagoreporter.com/how-chicago-tried-to-cover-up-a-police-execution/ How Chicago tried to cover up an execution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111041940/http://chicagoreporter.com/how-chicago-tried-to-cover-up-a-police-execution/ |date=January 11, 2016 }}". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 31, 2015.Futterman, Craig and Jamie Kalven (December 8, 2014). "[http://invisible.institute/news/2014/laquan-mcdonald Laquan McDonald] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090046/https://invisible.institute/news/2014/laquan-mcdonald |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Invisible Institute. Retrieved December 31, 2015. The pair issued a statement calling on Chicago police to release the dash-cam video of the incident. The city of Chicago denied at least 15 requests for its release.

Brandon Smith, a freelance journalist, and William Calloway, a community activist, filed a request for the video under the Freedom of Information Act in May 2015.Garcia, John (November 25, 2015). [http://abc7chicago.com/news/journalist-activist-led-effort-to-release-laquan-mcdonald-video/1099786/ "Journalist, activist led effort to release Laquan McDonald video."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090109/https://abc7chicago.com/news/journalist-activist-led-effort-to-release-laquan-mcdonald-video/1099786/ |date=February 10, 2021 }} ABC 7 Chicago. Retrieved July 30,

2017. When the request was denied, Smith, through his attorney Matt Topic, filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago in Cook County Circuit Court.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2015 |title=Chicago judge orders police to release video of black teen's shooting death |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/chicago-police-idUSL1N13E22N20151119 |access-date=June 1, 2023}} Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sent a letter to the Police Department the day before a court hearing, stating that they cannot withhold the video. She said that they had not substantiated their claim that releasing the video would interfere with an ongoing investigation or jeopardize a fair trial if any officer was charged. On November 19, Cook County Judge Franklin Valderrama denied the city's request for a stay, ordering the video to be released to the public no later than November 25. The city did not appeal the judge's decision.{{cite news |title=AG: Chicago cops should release shooting video of black teen |agency=AP |publisher=CBS News |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/attorney-general-chicago-cops-should-release-shooting-video-of-black-teen/ |date=November 18, 2015 |access-date=December 1, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090050/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/attorney-general-chicago-cops-should-release-shooting-video-of-black-teen/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Levine |first=Sam |title=Chicago Police Really Didn't Want To Release Video Of A Cop Shooting Laquan McDonald 16 Times |work=The Huffington Post |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chicago-laquan-mcdonald-video_565603e0e4b079b2818a06f6 |date=November 25, 2015 |access-date=December 1, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090054/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chicago-laquan-mcdonald-video_n_565603e0e4b079b2818a06f6 |url-status=live }} On November 24, after a press conference,{{Citation |title=Watch Chicago news conference on fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald |date=November 24, 2015 |publisher=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwxuuDsqLJI |access-date=November 25, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090104/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwxuuDsqLJI |url-status=live }} the video was released that showed an officer fatally shooting McDonald.

A criminal investigation also began weeks after the shooting, when the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) forwarded the case to the state's attorney's office and the FBI. The U.S. attorney's office confirmed on April 13, 2015, that they had been conducting a federal criminal investigation of the McDonald case in conjunction with the state attorney's office, after contradictions were found between the initial police report and the dash-cam video. The police report said that McDonald had lunged at an officer, but the video footage showed that McDonald made no lunges.{{Cite web |last=Legum|first=Judd|title=What Police Said About The Killing Of Laquan McDonald Before The Video Showed What Really Happened |website=Think Progress |date=November 24, 2015 |url= http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/11/24/3725699/what-police-said-about-the-killing-of-laquan-mcdonald-before-the-video-showed-what-really-happened/ |access-date=November 25, 2015}} The video does show that McDonald was swinging the knife in his right hand in a wide, but aimless manner as he walked down the street, and also appears to show that McDonald turns slightly to look briefly at Van Dyke and another officer who are pointing guns at him, but that he continues to walk away from both officers at the moment Van Dyke opens fire on him.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix2N6_jLAgA|title=Dashcam Video of Officer Jason Van Dyke Shooting Laquan McDonald|last=DNAinfo Chicago|date=November 24, 2015|via=YouTube|access-date=November 25, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090105/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix2N6_jLAgA|url-status=live}}

On December 2, 2015, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked the U.S. Justice Department to launch a separate civil rights investigation of Chicago police tactics.Meisner, Jason (December 5, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-cop-shooting-laquan-mcdonald-faq-met-20151204-story.html The lingering questions in Laquan McDonald shooting case, video]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2015. DOJ enlarged the scope of their investigation based on early findings, issuing a report in January 2017 {{xref|(see {{slink||2017 DOJ report and repercussions}})}}.

On November 24, 2015, the same day the video was released, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez announced that Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder, and Van Dyke turned himself in to authorities.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/us/chicago-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-video/|title=Laquan McDonald video: Shot teen spins, falls to ground|last=Shoichet|first=Catherine E.|date=November 24, 2015|work=CNN|access-date=November 28, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090100/https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/24/us/chicago-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-video/index.html|url-status=live}} He was initially held without bail at Cook County Jail for six days.Gorner, Jeremy; Sweeney, Annie; Meisner, Jason (November 23, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-cop-shooting-video-laquan-mcdonald-charges-20151123-story.html Cop in dash-cam video to face murder charge]". Chicago Tribune.{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Mary |title=Mitchell: More than police bullets killed Laquan McDonald |date=November 21, 2015 |url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/7/71/1119435/more-than-bullets-killed-laquan-mcdonald-teenage-chicago-police-shooting-victim |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125022213/http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/7/71/1119435/more-than-bullets-killed-laquan-mcdonald-teenage-chicago-police-shooting-victim |archive-date=November 25, 2015 }} Crowd funding website GoFundMe shut down a page that was set up to raise funds for his legal defense{{Cite web|title=Jason Van Dyke Bond Fund |publisher=GoFundMe |url=https://www.gofundme.com/JVDbondfund |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151124223126/https://www.gofundme.com/JVDbondfund |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |date=November 23, 2015 }} shortly after it had raised just over $10,000.{{Cite news |title=GoFundMe Removes Page to Help Cop Charged With Murder |website=NBC Chicago |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Wife-Asks-for-Donations-After-Chicago-Cop-Charged-With-Murder-353180041.html |access-date=November 25, 2015 |date=November 24, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090053/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/wife-asks-for-donations-after-chicago-cop-charged-with-murder/2076843/ |url-status=live }} On November 30, Van Dyke was granted bail, set at $1,500,000. He posted $150,000—ten percent of the bail—and was released from jail.

On December 16, Van Dyke was indicted by a grand jury on six counts of first-degree murder and one count of official misconduct.{{Cite news |title=Grand Jury Officer Jason Van Dyke Indicts On Six Counts Of Murder In Laquan McDonald Shooting |website=CBS Chicago |date=December 16, 2015 |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/16/grand-jury-indicts-officer-jason-van-dyke-on-six-counts-of-murder-in-laquan-mcdonald-shooting/ |access-date=December 16, 2015 |archive-date=December 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218122257/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/16/grand-jury-indicts-officer-jason-van-dyke-on-six-counts-of-murder-in-laquan-mcdonald-shooting/ |url-status=live }} The six counts of first-degree murder were:

• Murder/Intent to Kill/Injure With Firearm,
• Murder/Strong Probability to Kill/Injure With Firearm,
• Murder/Intent to Kill/Injure Discharge Firearm,
• Murder/Strong Probability to Kill/Injure Discharge Firearm,
• Murder/Intent to Kill/Injure Discharge Firearm Proximately, and
• Murder/Strong Probability to Kill/Injure Discharge Firearm Proximately.{{cite news |title=Full text: Jason Van Dyke indictment |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-jason-van-dyke-indictment-document-20151216-htmlstory.html |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=December 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090113/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ct-jason-van-dyke-indictment-document-20151216-htmlstory.html |url-status=live }}

On December 29, 2015, Van Dyke pleaded not guilty to the charges.{{Cite web|last = Fantz|first = Ashley|date = December 29, 2015|title = Chicago cop pleads not guilty in Laquan McDonald killing|url = http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/29/us/jason-van-dyke-chicago-police-laquan-mcdonald/index.html|website = CNN|access-date = December 29, 2015|archive-date = February 10, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090110/https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/29/us/jason-van-dyke-chicago-police-laquan-mcdonald/index.html|url-status = live}} Van Dyke's attorney, Daniel Herbert, said that his client fears for his life. Protesters yelled at him and called him names as he approached the courthouse for his arraignment. After the arraignment, Herbert said he was looking for evidence to clear his client's name.

On January 29, 2016, Herbert accused Chicago's mayor of tainting possible jurors, as he considered an effort to move the trial outside of Cook county:

It's been dozens and dozens of comments where [Rahm Emanuel] essentially indicted my client. He's characterized my client's actions as being heinous without even seeing the videotape. So when the mayor of the city in which the pool of jurors is drawn from has taken such an adamant stance, it makes it extremely difficult for us to get a juror in here who is not predisposed to a finding of guilt.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Van Dyke would have faced a prison sentence of 20 years to life.{{cite news |last=Huffstutter |first=P.J. |title=Chicago charges officer in black teen's death, releases video of shooting |agency=Reuters |work=Yahoo! News |url=https://news.yahoo.com/chicago-charges-officer-black-teens-death-releases-video-005833352.html |date=November 24, 2015 |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090052/https://news.yahoo.com/chicago-charges-officer-black-teens-death-releases-video-005833352.html |url-status=live }} The case marked the first time in nearly 35 years that a Chicago police officer had been charged with first-degree murder for an on-duty fatality.

On March 23, 2017, the charges against Van Dyke were six counts of first degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery, one for each shot fired at Laquan McDonald.{{cite news|last=Husain | first=Nausheen |title=Laquan Mcdonald timeline: the shooting, the video and the fallout |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/laquanmcdonald/ct-graphics-laquan-mcdonald-officers-fired-timeline-htmlstory.html |date=October 20, 2017}} Jury selection began on September 5, 2018, and the trial commenced on September 17.{{cite web|title=Laquan McDonald Shooting, Jason Van Dyke Case Timeline|url=https://abc7chicago.com/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-jason-van-dyke-case-timeline/4147086/|website=ABC 7|location=Chicago|date=September 25, 2018|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090054/https://abc7chicago.com/laquan-mcdonald-shooting-jason-van-dyke-case-timeline/4147086/|url-status=live}}

On October 5, 2018, Van Dyke was found guilty of second degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, but was acquitted of official misconduct.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/05/us/jason-van-dyke-laquan-mcdonald-verdict/index.html|title=Officer Jason Van Dyke found guilty of second-degree murder in Laquan McDonald killing|first=Ray|last=Sanchez|work=CNN|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090100/https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/05/us/jason-van-dyke-laquan-mcdonald-verdict/index.html|url-status=live}}

On January 18, 2019, Van Dyke was sentenced to 81 months (almost 7 years) in prison for the second-degree murder conviction alone instead of the other more serious charges, which was contrary to Illinois Supreme Court precedent.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-van-dyke-raoul-sentence-gaughan-0127-20190125-story.html|title=Van Dyke's Controversial 'nearly seven year' sentence explained

|last=Zorn|display-authors=etal|first=Eric|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 3, 2022}}

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a request with the Illinois Supreme Court to vacate Van Dyke's sentence for second-degree murder and impose a sentence on each of the 16 aggravated battery counts. A majority of Illinois Supreme Court Justices voted to deny this request without a hearing or explanation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chicago-police-idUSKCN1R026X |title=No re-sentencing for Chicago policeman in Laquan McDonald murder,... |date=March 19, 2019 |work=Reuters |access-date=March 24, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090055/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chicago-police-idUSKCN1R026X |url-status=live }} Two of the justices authored dissenting opinions, stating the decision of the sentencing judge had been unlawful.{{Cite news |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/124535_ORD.pdf

|title=Illinois Supreme Court Order 124535|access-date=February 3, 2022}}

The Illinois Department of Corrections refused to disclose the state prison where Van Dyke was initially incarcerated to serve his sentence, citing safety reasons. He was transferred on February 5, 2019, to the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut. During his first week at this facility, he was assaulted by other inmates while in the general population.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-chicago-police-officer-jason-van-dyke-attacked-prison-wife-n971426|title=Ex-Chicago police officer who killed Laquan McDonald attacked in prison, wife says|last=Ortiz|first=Eric|work=NBC News|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090158/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-chicago-police-officer-jason-van-dyke-attacked-prison-wife-n971426|url-status=live}} Sometime after the assault, he was transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville, New York.{{cite news|url=https://wgntv.com/2019/03/13/jason-van-dyke-moved-to-new-york-prison/|title=Jason Van Dyke moved to NY prison Forbes called one of nation's 'cushiest'|date=March 13, 2019|newspaper=wgntv.com|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090140/https://wgntv.com/news/jason-van-dyke-moved-to-new-york-prison/|url-status=live}} In November 2019, he was moved from the Otisville federal prison to a state prison outside Illinois.{{cite news |first1=Jon |last1=Seidel |first2=Sam |last2=Charles |date=November 26, 2019 |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2019/11/26/20984729/jason-van-dyke-federal-state-prison-illinois-laquan-mcdonald-convicted-chicago-police-officer |title=Van Dyke Leaves Federal Custody for a State Prison Outside Illinois |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=May 31, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090111/https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2019/11/26/20984729/jason-van-dyke-federal-state-prison-illinois-laquan-mcdonald-convicted-chicago-police-officer |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Masterson |date=November 27, 2019 |url=https://news.wttw.com/2019/11/27/jason-van-dyke-being-held-maryland-facility |title=Jason Van Dyke Being Held in Maryland Facility |work=WTTW |access-date=May 31, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090139/https://news.wttw.com/2019/11/27/jason-van-dyke-being-held-maryland-facility |url-status=live }}

On February 3, 2022, Van Dyke was released from prison after serving 39 months of his 81-month sentence. He was eligible to be released early due to good behavior in prison. He was subsequently on mandatory supervised release, i.e. parole.{{Cite web|last=Grimm|first=Andy|date=January 14, 2022|title=Jason Van Dyke to be released from prison Feb. 3|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/1/14/22884192/jason-van-dyke-released-prison-feb-3-laquan-mcdonald-murder|access-date=January 15, 2022|website=Chicago Sun-Times|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Diaz|first=Jaclyn|date=January 14, 2022|title=Ex-Chicago cop who killed Laquan McDonald will be released from prison early|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/01/14/1073257506/jason-van-dyke-who-killed-laquan-mcdonald-to-be-released-from-prison|access-date=January 15, 2022}}{{cite news |first=Omar |last=Jimenez |date=February 3, 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/03/us/jason-van-dyke-release-laquan-mcdonald/index.html |title=16 Shots and an Early Release: Former Officer Jason Van Dyke, Who Killed Laquan Mcdonald, Leaves Prison |work=CNN |access-date=February 3, 2022}}{{cite news |first1=Jason |last1=Meisner |first2=Megan |last2=Crepeau |date=February 3, 2022 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-jason-van-dyke-release-from-prison-laquan-mcdonald-20220203-vphqis7atzgrpb7s3jax6bsvxi-story.html |title=Ex-Chicago Cop Jason Van Dyke Has Been Released from Custody after Serving 3 1/4 Years for the Murder of Laquan Mcdonald |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=February 3, 2022}}

On June 27, 2017, three current or former Chicago police officers were charged with conspiracy, official misconduct, and obstruction of justice connected with a coverup of the shooting. Those charged were David March, the lead detective in this case, Joseph Walsh, Van Dyke's partner on the night of the shooting, and Thomas Gaffney.{{cite news|title=Laquan McDonald timeline: The shooting, the video and the verdict|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/laquanmcdonald/ct-graphics-laquan-mcdonald-officers-fired-timeline-htmlstory.html|first=Nausheen|last=Husain|work=Chicago Tribune|date=October 20, 2017|access-date=December 11, 2017}} Their bench trial began on November 27, 2018.{{cite news |author1=Crepeau, Megan |author2=St. Clair, Stacy |author3=Meisner, Jason |date=November 27, 2018 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-police-coverup-trial-20181127-story.html |title=Trial opens with lawyers sparring over evidence in alleged police cover-up of Laquan McDonald shooting |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=November 28, 2018}} On January 17, 2019, Cook County Judge Domenica Stephenson found them not guilty of the charges.

File:Chicago Protest - November 24, 2015 - Michigan Ave.jpg, in response to recent video footage showing 17-year old Laquan McDonald being shot and killed by a Chicago police officer|189x189px]]

After the release of the video on November 24, 2015, a few hundred people blocked the intersection of Roosevelt and Michigan avenues in protest.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/video-laquan-mcdonalds-killing-be-released-chicago-braces-protests-n469171|title=Protesters Block Chicago Streets Over Video of Laquan McDonald's Killing|first=Alex|last=Johnson|date=December 29, 2015|work=NBC News|access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090119/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/video-laquan-mcdonalds-killing-be-released-chicago-braces-protests-n469171|url-status=live}} On November 25, 2015, more protests were held.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/25/us/laquan-mcdonald-chicago-shooting-main/|title=Peaceful protests after release of shooting video|first=Greg|last=Botelho|date=November 25, 2015|work=CNN|access-date=November 26, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090057/https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/25/us/laquan-mcdonald-chicago-shooting-main/index.html|url-status=live}} On the second night of protest, marchers tore off lights from a public Christmas tree in Daley Plaza and multiple marchers were arrested.{{cite web|date=November 25, 2015|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Chicago-Braces-for-Protests-Following-Dash-Cam-Video-Release-353938711.html|title=Arrests Made After Protesters Destroy Part of City Christmas Tree|work=NBC Chicago|access-date=November 27, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090133/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/chicago-braces-for-protests-following-dash-cam-video-release/89066/|url-status=live}}

On Friday, November 27, a major day for Christmas shopping in the U.S., a group of protesters chanted "sixteen shots" and other slogans while marching on Michigan Avenue, the city of Chicago's central shopping district. This caused some businesses to shut their doors and the police closed Michigan Avenue, a six-lane street.{{Cite news|title = Anger Over Killing by Police Halts Shopping in Chicago|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/28/us/laquan-mcdonald-jamar-clark-protests.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = November 27, 2015|access-date = November 28, 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first1 = Monica|last1 = Davey|first2 = Mitch|last2 = Smith|archive-date = February 10, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090111/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/28/us/laquan-mcdonald-jamar-clark-protests.html|url-status = live}}{{Cite news|title = Protesters shut down Chicago's 'Magnificent Mile' in demonstrations over police slaying of Laquan McDonald|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/11/27/protesters-shut-down-chicagos-magnificent-mile-in-demonstrations-over-police-slaying-of-laquan-mcdonald/|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = November 27, 2015|access-date = November 28, 2015|issn = 0190-8286|language = en-US|first = Mark|last = Guarino|archive-date = February 10, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090214/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/11/27/protesters-shut-down-chicagos-magnificent-mile-in-demonstrations-over-police-slaying-of-laquan-mcdonald/|url-status = live}}{{cite web|last=Janssen|first=Kim|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-black-friday-michigan-ave-shops-1128-biz-20151127-story.html|title=Some Black Friday shoppers balk at Laquan McDonald protests on Mag Mile|work=Chicago Tribune|date=November 28, 2015|access-date=November 28, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090216/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-black-friday-michigan-ave-shops-1128-biz-20151127-story.html|url-status=live}}

File:Chicago Police Board Hearing 12 9 2015.webm Board Hearing on December 9, 2015]]

File:Protest, Chicago, December 2015 (23611780470).jpg

A 16-hour sit-in at the Cook County building on December 3, 2015, proceeded after Alvarez refused to resign on December 2. Protests erupted in the Loop after Mayor Emanuel called a special council meeting to apologize for his slow reaction to fix problems within the Chicago police department.Dodge, John (December 7, 2015). "[http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/07/timeline-the-shootings-of-laquan-mcdonald-ronald-johnson/ Timeline: The Shootings Of Laquan McDonald, Ronald Johnson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216023654/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/07/timeline-the-shootings-of-laquan-mcdonald-ronald-johnson/ |date=December 16, 2015 }}". CBS Chicago. Retrieved January 1, 2015. On December 24, a month after the video had been published, protests disrupting Christmas-season shopping were again held on Michigan Avenue.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/24/us/chicago-protests-michigan-avenue-laquan-mcdonald/|title=Protests disrupt shopping on Chicago's Michigan Avenue - CNN.com|author=Michael Martinez and Ryan Young, CNN|date=December 24, 2015|work=CNN|access-date=December 26, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090100/https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/24/us/chicago-protests-michigan-avenue-laquan-mcdonald/index.html|url-status=live}} Protesters also stood in the alley behind Emanuel's home the last three days in a row in December, promising to continue for 13 more days—to symbolize the 16 shots McDonald took from police—in an effort to force Emanuel to resign.Le Mignot, Suzanne (December 31, 2015). "[http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/31/laquan-mcdonald-protesters-gather-at-mayors-home-city-hall/ Laquan McDonald Protesters Gather At Mayor’s Home, City Hall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305215309/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/31/laquan-mcdonald-protesters-gather-at-mayors-home-city-hall/ |date=March 5, 2016 }}". CBS Chicago. Retrieved January 3, 2016. On New Year's Eve, protesters temporarily took over parts of City Hall and a Hyatt hotel lobby, chanting "Rahm gotta go."{{cite web | website=Twitter | url=https://twitter.com/BaburRealer/status/682645763948720132 | access-date=December 12, 2020 | title=5th floor at the City Hall is echoing with Rahm gotta go chants. #ResignRahm #StopTheCops | archive-date=February 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090120/https://twitter.com/BaburRealer/status/682645763948720132 | url-status=live }}

Over 100 African-American pastors boycotted the 30-year tradition of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast, hosted by Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel. The breakfast was attended by Rev. Matthew Ross, who interrupted the proceedings when he stood up and began to chant "16 shots and a cover-up" during a musical performance.Ruthhart, Bill; Perez Jr., Juan (January 15, 2016). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-mlk-prayer-breakfast-20160115-story.html Protests, boycott greet Emanuel at MLK breakfast]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 14, 2016. The day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, about 200 Black Youth Project 100 Chicago Chapter members, dressed in black T-shirts with the words "Fund Black Futures" written across them, blocked the entrance of the Chicago Patrolmen's Federal Credit Union in an effort to protest the Fraternal Order of Police's advocacy of the Chicago police department. City officials continue to deal with the aftermath of the McDonald shooting and are working to change the long-standing policy of keeping police shooting video under wraps.Eltagouri, Marwa (January 16, 2016). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-black-youth-project-protest-20160116-story.html Protesters block access to police credit union]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 14, 2016. Protesters chanted "16 shots and a cover-up!" as Officer Van Dyke walked into court for a status hearing on January 29, 2016.Schmadeke, Steve (January 29, 2016). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/laquanmcdonald/ct-laquan-mcdonald-jason-van-dyke-shooting-met-20160129-story.html Cop's attorney says mayor overstepped in remarks on Laquan McDonald shooting]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 14, 2016.

Laquan McDonald protesters hijacked a rally to support Apple's decision to fight back in the Apple–FBI encryption dispute in front of the Apple store on Michigan Avenue on February 24, 2016. Protesters started chants against Alvarez and Emanuel, but the crowd dispersed after several in the crowd got into a shoving match with police.Vivanco, Leonor and Tony Briscoe (February 24, 2016). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-apple-store-rally-0223-biz-20160223-story.html Rally to support Apple overwhelmed by Laquan McDonald protesters]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 3, 2016.

A rally started at State and Jackson consisting of "less than 50 people" on March 2, 2016, to mark 500 days since the shooting of Laquan McDonald. Other protesters were arrested for blocking the flow of traffic on Adams near Michigan Avenue.Blakely, Derrick (March 2, 2016). "[http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/03/02/demonstrators-march-through-loop-to-protest-police-shootings/ Demonstrators March Through Loop To Protest Police Shootings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090212/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/03/02/demonstrators-march-through-loop-to-protest-police-shootings/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". CBS Chicago. Retrieved July 3, 2016.

On November 25, 2015, Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders released a statement sending condolences to McDonald's family and criticizing the Emanuel administration and Chicago's police force.{{cite web|url = https://berniesanders.com/press-release/sanders-statement-laquan-mcdonald/|title = Sanders Statement on Laquan McDonald (press release)|publisher = BernieSanders.com|access-date = December 11, 2015|date = November 25, 2015|archive-date = December 22, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222103733/https://berniesanders.com/press-release/sanders-statement-laquan-mcdonald/|url-status = dead}}

On November 29, 2015, Jabari Dean, a student at the University of Chicago, posted an online threat to kill 16 unspecified white males — one for every shot fired at McDonald, plus any white police officers who might intervene — at the university. The university announced that classes would be cancelled the next day.{{cite web|last=Zimmer|first=Robert J.|date=November 29, 2015|title=Monday Classes and Activities at Hyde Park Campus Canceled Due to Threat|url=http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2015/11/29/monday-classes-and-activities-hyde-park-campus-canceled-due-threat|work=UChicago News|access-date=November 30, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090115/https://news.uchicago.edu/story/monday-classes-and-activities-hyde-park-campus-canceled-due-threat|url-status=live}} The same day, the FBI arrested Dean, who was charged with "transmitting in interstate commerce communications containing a threat to injure the person of another."{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Jodi|date=November 30, 2015|title=Man charged in threat at University of Chicago linked to Laquan McDonald shooting|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-university-of-chicago-gun-threat-met-20151130-story.html|access-date=December 1, 2015}} Federal prosecutors stated they did not believe Dean had the means to carry out the attack he had threatened. The federal charge was later dropped against Dean.{{cite web|last=Cholke|first=Sam|date=November 30, 2015|title=Court Documents Say Jabari Dean Vowed To Kill 'White Devils' At U of C|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151130/hyde-park/read-complaint-against-jabari-dean-who-made-alleged-u-of-c-threat|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201220728/http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151130/hyde-park/read-complaint-against-jabari-dean-who-made-alleged-u-of-c-threat|archive-date=December 1, 2015|access-date=November 30, 2015|work=DNAinfo}}

Chance the Rapper referred to the shooting on Saturday Night Live on December 12, 2015.{{cite web|date=December 13, 2015|url=http://wgntv.com/2015/12/13/chance-the-rapper-references-laquan-mcdonald-case-on-snl/|title=Chance the Rapper references Laquan McDonald case on 'SNL'|work=WGN TV|access-date=December 13, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090135/https://wgntv.com/news/chance-the-rapper-references-laquan-mcdonald-case-on-snl/|url-status=live}} He would refer to the shooting again on his second appearance on the show with Kanye West on February 13, 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-kanye-west-snl-chance-the-rapper-20160215-story.html|title=Watch Chance the Rapper reference Laquan McDonald case again on 'SNL'|last=Tribune|first=Chicago|website=chicagotribune.com|date=February 15, 2016 |access-date=March 11, 2016|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090112/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-kanye-west-snl-chance-the-rapper-20160215-story.html|url-status=live}}

On June 2, 2016, Vic Mensa released a song entitled "16 Shots", referring to McDonald's death.{{cite web|date=June 2, 2016|url=https://genius.com/Vic-mensa-16-shots-lyrics/|title=Vic Mensa – 16 Shots Lyrics|work=Genius|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090119/https://genius.com/Vic-mensa-16-shots-lyrics|url-status=live}}

File:PATF Final Report 4 13 16-1.pdf

On December 1, 2015, Rahm Emanuel created the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force, led by then-President of the Chicago Police Board Lori Lightfoot, "to review the system of accountability, oversight and training that is currently in place for Chicago's police officers."Mayor's Press Office (December 1, 2015). [http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2015/december/Task-Force-Police.html "Mayor Emanuel Announces Task Force on Police Accountability."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090129/https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2015/december/Task-Force-Police.html |date=February 10, 2021 }} The City of Chicago's Official Site. Retrieved July 30, 2017.{{cite web |last1=Black |first1=Curtis |title=Is Lori Lightfoot really the progressive candidate? |url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/is-lori-lightfoot-really-the-progressive-candidate/Content?oid=66619976 |website=Chicago Reader |access-date=February 18, 2019 |language=en |date=January 17, 2019 |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219020115/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/is-lori-lightfoot-really-the-progressive-candidate/Content?oid=66619976 |url-status=live }} The Task Force's final report, published April 13, 2016, found racism and systemic failures in the city's police force, validating complaints made for years by African-American residents.Police Accountability Task Force. [https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/2801130/Chicago-Police-Accountability-Task-Force-Report.pdf "Recommendations for Reform: Restoring Trust between the Chicago Police and the Communities they Serve"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090023/https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/2801130/Chicago-Police-Accountability-Task-Force-Report.pdf |date=February 10, 2021 }}. April 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2017.

Emanuel fired the head of the Chicago Police Department, Superintendent Garry McCarthy, on December 1, 2015, under political pressure from protesters."[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-police-chief-garry-mccarthy-fired-laquan-mcdonald-fallout/ Chicago police chief fired amid Laquan McDonald fallout] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090122/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-police-chief-garry-mccarthy-fired-laquan-mcdonald-fallout/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}" (December 1, 2015). CBS. Retrieved January 1, 2016. McCarthy knew of the dash-cam video a few weeks after the shooting and stripped Officer Van Dyke of his police powers. Due to the IPRA investigation under way, McCarthy could not fire the officer, nor discipline him or put him on a "no pay" status. McCarthy refused to resign, so Emanuel fired him.Goudie, Chuck; Markoff, Barb (December 17, 2015). "[http://abc7chicago.com/news/cpd-supt-mccarthy-wouldnt-resign-so-he-was-fired/1127182/ Chicago police Supt. Garry McCarthy wouldn't resign, so he was fired] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120190834/http://abc7chicago.com/news/cpd-supt-mccarthy-wouldnt-resign-so-he-was-fired/1127182/ |date=January 20, 2016 }}". ABC 7 Chicago; Retrieved January 7, 2016.

Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez was criticized by political challengers and others for the delay in the release of the dash-cam video, which she viewed weeks after the shooting, and the long wait to charge Van Dyke for McDonald's death. This took more than a year and was completed only hours before the court-ordered release of the video. She faced a difficult primary election in March 2016."[http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Alvarez-Opponents-Question-Timeline-of-Release-of-McDonald-Video-353183351.html Alvarez Defends Herself, Mayor Emanuel in Timing of Charges in Laquan McDonald Case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090136/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/alvarez-opponents-question-timeline-of-release-of-mcdonald-video/2076841/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago. Retrieved December 31, 2015. Calls for her resignation came from within her own party, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.[http://abc7chicago.com/politics/chicago-politicians-join-calls-for-anita-alvarezs-resignation/1104372/ Chicago politicians join calls for Anita Alvarez's Resignation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203003313/http://abc7chicago.com/politics/chicago-politicians-join-calls-for-anita-alvarezs-resignation/1104372/ |date=December 3, 2015 }}". ABC 7 Chicago. Retrieved December 31, 2015.

As of December 2, 2015, Alvarez had refused to resign, which prompted a 16-hour sit-in by protesters at the Cook County building on December 3, 2015."[http://abc7chicago.com/news/protesters-call-for-anita-alvarez-to-resign-stage-16-hour-sit-in/1107905/ Anita Alvarez comes out swinging as protesters call for her resignation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235720/http://abc7chicago.com/news/protesters-call-for-anita-alvarez-to-resign-stage-16-hour-sit-in/1107905/ |date=September 26, 2017 }}". ABC 7 Chicago. Retrieved December 31, 2015. Alvarez said she had been cooperating with the FBI investigation since November 2014, and asked her critics why she would call in the FBI if she was attempting a cover-up. She also defended Mayor Rahm Emanuel's comments that it would be premature to release the dash-cam video in light of the investigation, saying it "was in the best interest of the investigation". Kim Foxx, a former prosecutor running against Alvarez with support by Jesse Jackson and other civil rights leaders, disagrees:

By waiting so long to press charges in this case, State's Attorney Alvarez has done the McDonald family and the entire criminal justice system a heinous disservice. She waited until her hand was forced by intense political and media pressure surrounding the release of this painful video. She waited even after City Hall was prepared to pay the McDonald family $5 million in damages.

In the 2016 election for Cook County State's Attorney, Alvarez was the subject of an activist campaign (sometimes referred to as "#ByeAnita") that criticized her for her handling of the Laquan McDonald and Rekia Boyd cases, along with her broader role in the criminal justice system.{{Cite web|url=https://www.colorlines.com/articles/byeanita-chicago-voters-oust-states-attorney-anita-alvarez|title=#ByeAnita: Chicago Voters Oust State's Attorney Anita Alvarez|date=March 16, 2016|website=www.colorlines.com|language=en|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090118/https://www.colorlines.com/articles/byeanita-chicago-voters-oust-states-attorney-anita-alvarez|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/03/16/byeanita-states-attorney-ouster-victory-chicago-grassroots|title=#ByeAnita: State's Attorney Ouster is Victory for Chicago Grassroots|website=Common Dreams|language=en|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090128/https://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/03/16/byeanita-states-attorney-ouster-victory-chicago-grassroots|url-status=live}} Alvarez lost her bid for reelection in the March 2016 primary, earning 29 percent of the votes. Challenger Kim Foxx, who ran on a platform of criminal justice reform, won with 58 percent of the votes, and went on to win the general election.Lulay, Stephanie and Erica Demarest (March 15, 2016). "[https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160315/little-village/anita-alvarez-faces-tough-primary-fight-from-kim-foxx-after-laquan-shooting Anita Alvarez Loses, Concedes State's Attorney's Race to Kim Foxx] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812023136/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160315/little-village/anita-alvarez-faces-tough-primary-fight-from-kim-foxx-after-laquan-shooting |date=August 12, 2016 }}". DNA Info. Retrieved July 3, 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-2019/Kim-Foxx-Wants-to-Tell-You-a-Story/|title=Kim Foxx Wants to Tell You a Story|last=Hewett|first=Lucy|date=December 10, 2018|website=Chicago magazine|language=en|access-date=February 15, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090206/https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-2019/Kim-Foxx-Wants-to-Tell-You-a-Story/|url-status=live}}

McDonald's killing occurred four months before Emanuel faced a difficult campaign for reelection in February 2015. (He failed to win the majority and was elected by 56 percent in a runoff election—the first in Chicago's history— against Jesús "Chuy" García.)Bosman, Julie (April 7, 2015). [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/us/rahm-emanuel-retains-seat-as-chicagos-mayor.html "Rahm Emanuel Wins Runoff Election to Secure 2nd Term as Chicago Mayor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090139/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/us/rahm-emanuel-retains-seat-as-chicagos-mayor.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}". New York Times. Retrieved January 3, 2016. The delayed timing of release of the video, the Chicago City Council's awarding the family $5 million within weeks of McDonald's death, and Emanuel firing Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy,McClelland, Edward (December 2, 2015). "[http://www.salon.com/2015/12/02/rahm_emanuels_nixon_moment/ Rahm Emanuel’s Nixon moment: The Laquan McDonald coverup will be his legacy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090140/https://www.salon.com/2015/12/02/rahm_emanuels_nixon_moment/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Salon. Retrieved December 31, 2015. prompted some commentators to accuse the city of cover-up.

Journalist Ben Joravsky wrote in the Chicago Reader:

Just imagine [if] Mayor Emanuel had released the video in, say, November [2014]—without being forced to by a lawsuit.... But of course, he didn't do the right thing. He buried the video. He allowed officials to mislead the public. He hid the tapes because most likely he [...] assumed it would hurt his reelection campaign. Thus he not only did the immoral thing, he did the politically stupid thing. Cook County state's attorney Anita Alvarez probably would've quickly responded with an indictment—just like she did earlier this week, when the tape actually was released. I mean, it's really hard to look at that tape and not call for an indictment. If the mayor had done that, he wouldn't be the villain in this sordid story. He'd be the hero. Or at least the guy who finally, for once in his life, did the right thing.Joravsky, Ben (November 27, 2015). "[http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2015/11/27/rahm-couldve-been-the-hero-in-the-mcdonald-shooting Rahm could've been the hero in the McDonald shooting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090124/https://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2015/11/27/rahm-couldve-been-the-hero-in-the-mcdonald-shooting |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Chicago Reader. Retrieved December 31, 2015.

Emanuel subsequently created the Task Force on Police Accountability to review current training and oversight for Chicago's police officers."[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-police-chief-garry-mccarthy-fired-laquan-mcdonald-fallout/ Chicago Police Chief Fired Amid Laquan McDonald Fallout] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090153/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chicago-police-chief-garry-mccarthy-fired-laquan-mcdonald-fallout/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}" (December 1, 2015). CBS News. Retrieved January 7, 2016.Davey, Monica (December 2, 2015). "[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/03/us/rahm-emanuel-says-he-wont-resign-over-police-shooting-and-video.html Rahm Emanuel Says He Won’t Resign Over Police Shooting and Video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090234/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/03/us/rahm-emanuel-says-he-wont-resign-over-police-shooting-and-video.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}". New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2015. He also maintained he never saw the dash-cam video until it was publicly released and would not resign. Emanuel's image received a blow when U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang accused city attorney Jordan Marsh, an attorney who handled cases in the office that represents the city in police misconduct lawsuits, of hiding evidence in a fatal police shooting.Babwin, Don (January 6, 2016). "[http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Ex-Chicago-attorney-s-cases-examined-after-6741014.php Ex-Chicago attorney's cases examined after judge's ruling]". SF Gate. Retrieved January 7, 2016.

There was no legal mechanism to force Emanuel's resignation.Wan, William; Guarino, Mark (January 2, 2016). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/in-chicago-distrust-toward-mayor-has-turned-personal/2016/01/02/4881c8e6-aff9-11e5-9ab0-884d1cc4b33e_story.html In Chicago, distrust toward mayor has turned 'personal'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090200/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/in-chicago-distrust-toward-mayor-has-turned-personal/2016/01/02/4881c8e6-aff9-11e5-9ab0-884d1cc4b33e_story.html |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Washington Post. Retrieved January 3, 2016. State representative La Shawn K. Ford filed House Bill 4356 to set up the mechanism for a recall election,Marin, Carol (December 11, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Family-of-Laquan-McDonald-to-Speak-Publicly-for-First-Time-Since-Mayor-Emanuels-Apology-361559221.html 'Change Is Needed': Family of Laquan McDonald Speaks Publicly for First Time Since Video Release] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090149/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/family-of-laquan-mcdonald-to-speak-publicly-for-first-time-since-mayor-emanuels-apology/62676/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago. Retrieved December 31, 2015. but it was not passed. Illinois Republican governor Bruce Rauner said he would sign such a bill.Brown, Mark (January 4, 2016). "[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/brown-rauner-endorses-recall-bill-very-disappointed-in-rahm/ Brown: Rauner endorses recall bill; ‘very disappointed’ in Rahm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090134/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/1/4/18393994/brown-rauner-endorses-recall-bill-very-disappointed-in-rahm |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Chicago-Sun Times. Retrieved July 3, 2016.

On December 1, 2015, the city announced that there was a video of a fatal police shooting that took place on October 12, 2014. Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez's office investigated possible criminal charges against Officer George Hernandez (whose name was revealed on December 7),Associated Press; Bradley, Tahman; WGN Web Desk (December 7, 2015). "[http://wgntv.com/2015/12/07/video-of-chicago-police-shooting-ronald-johnson-released-no-charges-filed/ Video of Chicago police shooting Ronald Johnson released; no charges filed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090117/https://wgntv.com/news/video-of-chicago-police-shooting-ronald-johnson-released-no-charges-filed/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". WGN TV. Retrieved January 1, 2016. who shot Ronald Johnson III in the back during a foot chase. The officer opened fire seconds after arriving on the scene, when Johnson was moving away from police.Meisner, Jason; Walberg, Matthew (December 2, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-ronald-johnson-chicago-police-shooting-met-20151201-story.html City wavering on keeping video secret in another fatal Chicago police shooting] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228101606/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-ronald-johnson-chicago-police-shooting-met-20151201-story.html |date=December 28, 2015 }}". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2015. Johnson was allegedly a known gang member and also allegedly armed; a gun was recovered at the scene. The attorney for Johnson's family contends police planted the weapon. The city fought to keep the video of the incident secret so as not to jeopardize the officer's right to a fair trial should he be indicted. As in the McDonald case, the video lacks audio. The city released the video on December 7 due to pressure for transparency prompted by the McDonald case. No charges have been filed against Hernandez.

On December 30, 2015, Emanuel announced sweeping reforms within the police department, including new police training for handling tense situations and equipping every officer with a Taser, to be used to control suspects. All officers were to be equipped and trained by June 2016.Rogers, Phil (December 30, 2015). "[http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Emanuel-Unveils-New-Taser-Requirement-for-Chicago-Cops-363814441.html 'Force Can Be the Last Option': Mayor Emanuel Announces New Taser Requirement for Chicago Police Department] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090130/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/emanuel-unveils-new-taser-requirement-for-chicago-cops-4/2145343/ |date=February 10, 2021 }}". NBC Chicago. Retrieved January 1, 2016. Officers at the McDonald scene were waiting for a Taser to arrive before Van Dyke shot the suspect. At that time, 21.5 percent of officers had been trained to use a Taser.Kadner, Phil (December 10, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-kadner-chicago-tasers-st-1211-20151210-column.html Only 1 in 5 Chicago cops certified to use Tasers]". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2016.

Dean Angelo, president of the Chicago chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, said on the subject: "I know there are people on the job for 9 or 10 years who have not been trained. I can't say they have all requested training, but I am sure some have. It's very hard to get the proper training as a Chicago police officer and that's something that has been going on for a very long time. There is certainly a percentage of my members who believe that the Chicago Police Department doesn't offer the same level of training, or the same opportunities to obtain training, as many other police departments in the country. I think the general attitude is that's just 'Welcome to the Chicago Police Department.'"

On December 31, 2015, 3,085 pages of emailsFusco, Chris; Dumke, Mick (January 2, 2016). "[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1220707/emails-show-city-halls-struggle-quell-laquan-mcdonald-crisis Emails reveal City Hall struggle to quell Laquan McDonald crisis] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106080544/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1220707/emails-show-city-halls-struggle-quell-laquan-mcdonald-crisis |date=January 6, 2016 }}". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved January 3, 2016. split across seven PDFsBurns, Rebecca (January 5, 2016). "[http://inthesetimes.com/article/18729/laquan-mcdonald-rahm-emanuel-emails-foia The Laquan McDonald Email Dump Shows Rahm Emanuel's Administration in Crisis Mode] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090138/https://inthesetimes.com/article/laquan-mcdonald-rahm-emanuel-emails-foia |date=February 10, 2021 }}". In These Times. Retrieved January 6, 2016. regarding the McDonald case and other police-related matters were obtained under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The timing of the release (on New Year's Eve) has been described by reporters as "strategic".Shepherd, Kate (January 7, 2016). "[http://chicagoist.com/2016/01/07/_just_days_before_mayor.php Emails Show City Fought To Keep The Laquan McDonald Video Secret] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109183638/http://chicagoist.com/2016/01/07/_just_days_before_mayor.php |date=January 9, 2016 }}". Chicagoist. Retrieved January 7, 2016.Joravsky, Ben (January 6, 2016). "[http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/laquan-mcdonald-rahm-emanuel-e-mails-new-years/Content?oid=20763104 Surprise: City's Laquan McDonald e-mails show Emanuel's staff trying to cover his ass] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090149/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/laquan-mcdonald-rahm-emanuel-e-mails-new-years/Content?oid=20763104 |date=February 10, 2021 }}". Chicago Reader. Retrieved January 7, 2016. The exchanges show that the mayor's staff had been communicating with both the IPRA and the office of the Cook County state attorney since the October 2014 shooting. They document fact-gathering and news-monitoring, to crafting a unified "message" on how to respond to media inquiries regarding the McDonald shooting. The emails included several highly redacted speech drafts to use if the video was released, prepared nearly a year before the release of the dash-cam video, which Emanuel's top aides knew existed.Ruthhart, Bill; St. Clair, Stacy; Chase, John (December 31, 2015). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-laquan-mcdonald-emails-met-0101-20151231-story.html New emails show Emanuel City Hall scramble on Laquan McDonald shooting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101202859/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-laquan-mcdonald-emails-met-0101-20151231-story.html |date=January 1, 2016 }}". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 1, 2016.Dumke, Mick; Fusco, Chris; Hussain, Rummana (December 31, 2015). "[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1218394/emanuel-office-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-emails Mayor's office, IPRA discussed Laquan McDonald case, emails show] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103053131/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1218394/emanuel-office-laquan-mcdonald-shooting-emails |date=January 3, 2016 }}". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved December 31, 2015. The emails also cover the topics of discrepancies between the police reports and dash-cam video, the lack of audio on the dash-cam videos (which senior mayoral adviser David Spielfogel noted: "The number of malfunctions seems a bit odd."), express exasperation with statements made by the IPRA, note the missing Burger King footage, and reports on protests and social media activity—all of which is highly redacted.

The media characterized the emails as calling into question the "independence" of the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA), an agency approved by Chicago City Hall in 2007 to investigate allegations of police misconduct and made up entirely of civilian members."[https://web.archive.org/web/20160124133118/http://iprachicago.org/about.html City of Chicago Independent Police Review Authority: About Us]" (2007). IPRA Website. Retrieved January 3, 2016. (archived from [http://www.iprachicago.org/about.html the original] on January 24, 2016) Aides to the mayor have responded that the communications were routine and did not interfere with the IPRA's investigation.

Scott Ando, the former head of the IPRA who was fired by Emanuel in December, concurred that the mayor's office never interfered in the agency's investigations. He said: "We were generally asked to clear every messaging or release to the press ... I really think if I'd been allowed to be more responsive to the questions that were posed, it would have cleared the air a lot sooner." The emails also reveal communication from the mayor's office with influential religious leaders Reverend Jesse Jackson and Father Michael Pfleger, asking them to soften their critical remarks on the case and explain the city could not fire Officer Van Dyke due to the IPRA investigation.

Streetsblog Chicago reporter Steven Vance, Chicago Teachers Union member Luke Carman, and Twitter user "natalie solidarity", among others, collaborated on an effort to catalog the documents for easier access by readers.

{{Main|Illinois Public Access Opinion 16-006}}

In January 2016, CNN submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for emails regarding the McDonald case from Van Dyke, his partner, and other police officers. CNN requested emails from both official CPD email accounts and personal email accounts. However, after CNN appealed to the Public Access Counselor, CPD officials revealed that they had not attempted to look through the officers' personal email accounts, arguing that personal emails are not public records subject to disclosure.{{Cite web|last=Dumke|first=Mick|title=The Laquan McDonald Shooting Keeps Exposing Critical Flaws in Illinois' Freedom of Information Act|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/illinois-foia-flaws-freedom-of-information-act-public-records-laquan-mcdonald-chicago?token=pnmZCKup_9SO_Q1DvGQOooKLHsrJG0Fr|access-date=October 12, 2020|website=ProPublica|date=December 19, 2018 |language=en|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090136/https://www.propublica.org/article/illinois-foia-flaws-freedom-of-information-act-public-records-laquan-mcdonald-chicago?token=pnmZCKup_9SO_Q1DvGQOooKLHsrJG0Fr|url-status=live}}

In August that year, Attorney General Lisa Madigan ruled that emails on personal accounts that pertain to public business must be disclosed to the public. Her ruling was a binding opinion, requiring CPD to search the officers' email accounts and comply with the decision within 35 days.{{Cite web|last=Madigan|first=Lisa|author-link=Lisa Madigan|date=August 9, 2016|title=Public Access Opinion 16-006|url=http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/pdf/opinions/2016/16-006.pdf|access-date=October 11, 2020|website=Illinois Attorney General|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090036/http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/pdf/opinions/2016/16-006.pdf|url-status=live}} CPD appealed the ruling in court, and lost in September 2017. Ultimately, CNN never received the emails that it had requested. Each of the officers, individually or through their attorneys, either refused to provide emails, ignored the request, or denied having any relevant emails.

In May 2016, CNN revealed documents of a 2005 incident, in which Van Dyke had written a police report without speaking to any of the personnel or witnesses at the scene of another police shooting. Records of the investigation indicated that Van Dyke had also inappropriately thrown out the original documents pertaining to the case.{{cite news|title=Chicago cop charged in Laquan McDonald murder tied to another police-involved shooting|url=http://wgntv.com/2016/05/19/chicago-cop-charged-in-laquan-mcdonald-murder-tied-to-another-police-involved-shooting/|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090135/https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-cop-charged-in-laquan-mcdonald-murder-tied-to-another-police-involved-shooting/|url-status=live}}

On August 16, 2016, inspector Joseph Ferguson recommended that 10 officers be fired, followed up by Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson's recommendation on August 18, that 7 police officers be fired for false or misleading statements made about the incident.{{cite news|title=Data: Laquan McDonald timeline: The shooting, the video, and the fallout|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/laquanmcdonald/ct-graphics-laquan-mcdonald-officers-fired-timeline-htmlstory.html|date=October 20, 2017|access-date=December 11, 2017}}

DOJ announced the completion of their investigation and issued a "scathing report" in early January 2017, noting problems in a police culture of excessive violence, especially against minorities; and lack of training and oversight. DOJ and the city have a preliminary agreement to undertake broad reforms for improvement, with the goal of increasing the safety of both citizens and officers. It noted the department's improvements, such as training in de-escalation to avoid use of force, issuance of Tasers, officers wearing body cameras, and the reshaping of a police oversight body.[https://www.npr.org/2017/01/13/509722770/doj-report-on-chicago-police-finds-pattern-of-excessive-force Cheryl Corley, "DOJ Report On Chicago Police Finds 'Pattern Of Excessive Force'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090212/https://www.npr.org/2017/01/13/509722770/doj-report-on-chicago-police-finds-pattern-of-excessive-force |date=February 10, 2021 }}, NPR All Things Considered, January 13, 2017; accessed January 14, 2017

Also in January 2017, the city and DOJ signed "an agreement in principle to work together, with community input, to create a federal court-enforceable consent decree addressing the deficiencies uncovered during the investigation. An independent monitor, who has yet to be chosen, will oversee compliance."[https://abcnews.go.com/US/takeaways-scathing-department-justice-report-chicago-policing/story?id=44757551 Morgan Winsor, "5 Takeaways From Scathing Department of Justice Report on Chicago Policing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090148/https://abcnews.go.com/US/takeaways-scathing-department-justice-report-chicago-policing/story?id=44757551 |date=February 10, 2021 }}, ABC News, January 13, 2017; accessed January 14, 2017

In February 2017, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions signaled that the Trump administration would "pull back" on federal civil rights probes of local police departments. He would not commit to enforcing the consent decree signed by Chicago and the Department of Justice.{{cite news |author1=Byrne, John |author2=Wilber, Del Quentin |author3=Hinkel, Dan |date=March 1, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-emanuel-sessions-consent-decree-react-met-20170228-story.html |title=Concerns Mount over Chicago Cop Reform as Sessions Vows to 'Pull Back' |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 11, 2017}}

In June 2017, Mayor Emanuel backed off his commitment to enter a court-enforced agreement with the federal government. He said that an independent monitor selected by the city could work with the Justice Department to pursue police reforms without court oversight.{{cite news |author1=Hinkel, Dan |author2=Sweeney, Alice |author3=Ruthhart, Bill |date=June 2, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-police-independent-monitor-met-20170602-story.html |title=Emanuel Backs Off from Commitment to Court Oversight of Chicago Police Reform |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 11, 2017}}{{cite news |author=Ruthhart, Bill |date=June 6, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-justice-department-met-0607-20170606-story.html |title=Emanuel, Trump Justice Department Mum on Who Backed Away from CPD Court Oversight |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 11, 2017}} Later that month, a group of civil rights organizations filed a federal lawsuit seeking court enforcement of police reforms.{{cite web |author=Hinkel, Dan |date=June 14, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-police-reform-lawsuit-met-20170613-story.html |title=Federal Lawsuit Seeks to Force Court Oversight of Chicago Police Reform |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 15, 2017}} Also in June, Toni Preckwinkle, the president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Jesús "Chuy" García, another member of the Cook County Board, advocated for judicial oversight,{{cite news |author1=Ruthhart, Bill |author2=Dardick, Hal |date=June 19, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-toni-preckwinkle-rahm-emanuel-consent-decree-met-0619-20170616-story.html |title=Preckwinkle, Garcia Push Emanuel on Federal Court Oversight of Police Reform |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 19, 2017}} as did Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson.{{cite news |first=John |last=Byrne |date=June 27, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-joe-ferguson-police-oversight-met-20170627-story.html |title=Emanuel's Own Watchdog Says Court-Enforced Police Department Oversight Needed |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=June 28, 2017}} In August 2017, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a lawsuit in federal court requesting that a judge oversee police reform in Chicago.{{cite news |first1=Hal |last1=Dardick |first2=Jason |last2=Meisner |date=August 29, 2017 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-emanuel-madigan-consent-decree-met-0830-20170829-story.html |title=AG Madigan Sues to Enforce Chicago Police Reform; Emanuel Pledges Cooperation |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=August 29, 2017}}

In July 2018, Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois attorney general Lisa Madigan announced a proposed court settlement that was the first draft of a consent decree that would eventually serve as a court-enforced mandate governing reforms of the Chicago Police Department.{{cite news |first1=Dan |last1=Hinkel |first2=Bill |last2=Ruthhart |date=July 27, 2018 |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-chicago-police-consent-decree-20180727-story.html |title='This Agreement Will Stand the Test of Time': Mayor Emanuel, AG Madigan Unveil Draft Plan for Chicago Police Department Reform |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=July 28, 2018 |quote=Madigan and Emanuel stood side by side to announce the agreement, marking the latest step in a process geared toward long-lasting change to Chicago policing. Those efforts were ignited by the controversial Laquan McDonald police shooting, which resulted in weeks of street protests, accusations of a City Hall cover-up and a U.S. Department of Justice investigation that found widespread problems in the department.}}

16 Shots is a documentary film about the shooting of Laquan McDonald and the subsequent police cover-up. It was directed by Richard Rowley, and produced by Jacqueline Soohen and Jamie Kalven. Originally titled The Blue Wall, it premiered on May 1, 2018, at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto.{{cite web|first=Eric|last=Zorn|date=May 4, 2018|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-laquan-mcdonald-jason-van-dyke-documentary-0506-20180504-story.html|title=Coming Soon: A Laquan Mcdonald Documentary That Makes the Story Even Worse|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 9, 2018}}{{cite web|first=Norman|last=Wilner|date=April 25, 2018|url=https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/hot-docs-the-blue-wall/|title=Hot Docs Review: The Blue Wall|website=Now Magazine|access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090140/https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/hot-docs-the-blue-wall/|url-status=live}}

Rowley subsequently updated the film to include later events, and re-titled it 16 Shots. The revised documentary premiered on June 14, 2019, on the Showtime network.{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Hipes |date=May 14, 2019 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/16-shots-laquan-mcdonald-documentary-showtime-premiere-date-trailer-1202614166/ |title=16 Shots: Laquan McDonald Shooting Documentary Gets Showtime Premiere Date & Trailer |website=Deadline |access-date=October 13, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090134/https://deadline.com/2019/05/16-shots-laquan-mcdonald-documentary-showtime-premiere-date-trailer-1202614166/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Phillips |date=June 3, 2019 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-ent-16-shots-showtime-review-0604-story.html |title=16 Shots Documentary Review: On Chicago's Mean Streets, Who Controls the Narrative? |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=October 13, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090156/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-ent-16-shots-showtime-review-0604-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Zorn |date=June 13, 2019 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-laquan-mcdonald-documentary-jason-van-dyke-showtime-20190613-story.html |title=Laquan Mcdonald Documentary Glosses Over the Lingering Outrage of the Notorious Case |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=October 13, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210090248/https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-perspec-zorn-laquan-mcdonald-documentary-jason-van-dyke-showtime-20190613-story.html |url-status=live }}

• List of homicides in Illinois
• List of killings by law enforcement officers in the United States, October 2014
• Skullcap Crew
• Jon Burge
• Dismissal of Robert Rialmo
• Police oversight in Chicago

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix2N6_jLAgA External video dashcam footage]
• [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aWuLqPmzoupsed1P97JBnxBwLgQx-YijsJOg7IhbBXQ/edit?pref=2&pli=1#gid=1899370579 Catalog of emails from the mayor's office regarding the case]

{{Black Lives Matter}}

{{Chicago Police Department}}

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