(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Local activists and community organizers are doubling down in opposing the planned early release of former Chicago police office Jason Van Dyke.
On Monday they said they’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep him behind bars.
Van Dyke is scheduled to be released from prison next week after serving just over three years of an 81-month sentence for the fatal 2014 shooting of Black teen Laquan McDonald.
“This man is going to walk. This is unacceptable,” McDonald’s grandmother, Tracey Hunter, said. “Because if the tables were turned, my grandson never would have seen the light of day.”
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Members of Rainbow PUSH Coalition are among those calling for federal charges against Van Dyke. They said they’re planning a demonstration in Chicago’s Federal Plaza next Thursday — Van Dyke’s expected release date.
“We’re not asking the Justice Department,” activist Frank Chapman said. “We are demanding that he be indicted on criminal charges.”
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was asked if there were plans for demonstrations to shut down the city in response to Van Dyke’s release.
“Absolutely,” he replied.
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