Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Video: ‘It Is Essential That We Remain Peaceful’

Before Chicago police released the video of an officer repeatedly shooting a 17-year-old, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Chief Garry McCarthy held a press conference to urge calm.

Officer Jason Van Dyke shot Laquan McDonald last October, but the video only saw the light of day today due to a judge’s order. McDonald’s family had said a few days ago they didn’t want it released.

Emanuel invoked McDonald’s family tonight as he spoke of how “this episode can be a moment of understanding and learning.” He said that officers need to be held to a high standard and Van Dyke will have his day in court.

He went on to say, “I understand that people will be upset and want to protest when they see this video, but I would like to echo the comments of the McDonald family. They’ve asked for calm, and for those who choose to speak out, to do it peacefully.”

“It is fine to be passionate,” Emanuel added, “but it is essential that we remain peaceful.”

Watch above, via CNN.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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