Chicago Superintendent Seeks to Fire 7 Officers Over Laquan McDonald Shooting

Chicago's police superintendent has recommended that seven officers be fired for lying in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald in October 2014.

Chicago's police superintendent has recommended that seven officers be fired for lying in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald in October 2014, reports the Chicago Tribune.

McDonald's death was captured in a video that reportedly contradicted the accounts of officers.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson emailed police Thursday morning, telling them that he had recommended seven officers be fired for making false statements. He also stripped the officers of their police powers.

Johnson's move came in response to Inspector General Joseph Ferguson's recent report on the shooting in which he recommended that 10 officers be fired. But Johnson wrote that he felt the evidence against one of the officers was insufficient to recommend.

The superintendent did not name any of the officers he is seeking to fire, but many of them were the patrol officers at the scene of the shooting.

"While I know that this type of action can come with many questions and varying opinions, please know that these decisions were not made lightly," Johnson wrote to officers. "Each of these decisions was based on a methodical and substantive review of the facts by both internal and external counsel. Each officer will have their right to due process."

"It is my belief that through these challenges we can take the lessons learned to become a better Department and in turn, give you additional resources to do your jobs effectively," Johnson continued. "As I have said before, with every decision that I make, I always keep in mind the tremendous sacrifice, bravery, and commitment of every officer."

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