A Chicago police officer will not face state charges in the 2014 shooting death of a 25-year-old black man, a prosecutor said on Monday afternoon.
The announcement marked the end to a case that has drawn national attention after another Chicago police officer was indicted for first-degree murder over the death of Laquan McDonald, 17.
Chicago Police Officer Hernandez fired five shots as Ronald Johnson ran towards a park while being chased by police. One shot entered his knee, the other entered his armpit and exited his eye. The shooting was recorded on a police dash cam video, which Chicago police have released. Concerns have been raised due to the footage not having audio. Prosecutors insist officers directed Johnson to drop the weapon, yet witnesses dispute those claims.
All witnesses, say no gun. #RonaldJohnson atty says it was planted. The video doesn’t show a gun. I believe my eyes not lying cops @DanteB4u
— Connie Collins (@khanknee) December 7, 2015
Many took to social media to expres their shock and grief over the lack of indictment:
I woke up to the video of #RonaldJohnson being killed. Am I next? Will my friends see MY video in 2016?
— Immanuel Sodipe (@Kunle_x) December 7, 2015
Between #DanielHoltzclaw, Rahm & Anita’s cover up, #RonaldJohnson & Donald Trump I am completely overwhelmed with grief
— Ejike [eh-jih-kāy] (@TheNewThinker) December 7, 2015
Police on scene chase #RonaldJohnson, not firing, not fearing for their life. #GeorgeHernandez drives up, shoots him in the back in seconds.
— Urban Jungle Lady (@UrbanJungleLady) December 7, 2015
The announcement angered citizens who began to gather at the corner where Johnson was killed for a rally and press conference:
Police on scene chase #RonaldJohnson, not firing, not fearing for their life. #GeorgeHernandez drives up, shoots him in the back in seconds.
— Urban Jungle Lady (@UrbanJungleLady) December 7, 2015
Ronald Johnson’s mother, Dorothy Holmes, addressed the supporters guaranteeing the fight is not over and demanded the immediate resignation of Anita Alvarez and Rahm Emanuel. She reminded the crowd, “Ronnieman’s life matters. It has value.”
#RonaldJohnson‘s mother, Dorothy Holmes, was the first to address supporters and media. #Ronnieman pic.twitter.com/YHVUjQyuio
— Justin Madden (@IAmJustinMadden) December 8, 2015
“ALL THE COPS HAVE GOT TO GO!” Marching N on MLK #RonaldJohnson #Ronnieman pic.twitter.com/vBvxYvylNH
— Thanks, Bastards (@MinkuAzad) December 8, 2015
Dorothy Holmes, the mother of #RonaldJohnson, is at the front of a march to @Chicago_Police Department on 51st. pic.twitter.com/LDM6ebeEcv
— Justin Madden (@IAmJustinMadden) December 8, 2015