“Throughout the course of our investigation I’ve seen the video on a number of occasions and I can tell you: It is everything that it has been described to be by the news accounts,” Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez stated on Tuesday.
“It is graphic, it is violent, it is chilling. ... To watch a 17-year-old young man die in such a violent manner is deeply disturbing, and I have absolutely no doubt that this video will tear at the hearts of all Chicagoans.”
According to NBC Chicago, Emanuel and McCarthy called for calm ahead of the release of the video, apparently bracing for protests and public backlash.
“I believe this is a moment that can build bridges of understanding rather than become a barrier of misunderstanding,” Emanuel said.
The video can be seen here (WARNING: The video contains graphic content):
A judge ordered police to release the video by Nov. 25.
