“Lack of resolution in a nearly six-year-old federal grand jury investigation, convened in response to the shooting death of a young black minor, Laquan McDonald, along with the scheduled prison release of his shooter, humiliated and convicted a former Chicago police officer.” The Gaya Illinois State felon, Jason Van Dyke, is clearly dangerous,” states the letter from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
“We are confident that you also find the cases worrisome and join us in our call to close that federal grand jury investigation as well as proceed with appropriate and applicable federal charges based on federal grand jury findings and others. Provide your commitment to grow. Relevant evidence,” continued the letter, which was signed by NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Illinois State Convention President Teresa Haley.
The US Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Illinois, which covers Chicago, did not comment on the status of any investigation.
The federal investigation is also mentioned in a similar letter addressed to Garland sent by both Democrats, both Democrats, to US senators from Illinois on Tuesday.
Sens Dick Durbin, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary, and Tammy Duckworth wrote a joint letter asking for a status update on the federal investigation into the “shocking and disturbing” murder of McDonald.
“In April 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced a joint federal and state investigation into the shooting; however, it was never announced that the federal investigation would be closed after Van Dyke pleaded guilty to state charges. Was gone,” read part of the letter.
“In October 2019, when activists called for federal civil rights charges against Van Dyke and other officers involved in the murder cover-up, the U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to say whether a federal investigation was still ongoing. Closed. Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office again declined to comment on the status of the investigation,” the senators wrote.
A Justice Department spokesman confirmed to CNN that the department had received letters from the NAACP and senators and was reviewing the information.
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