#RonaldJohnson: Non Indictment of Chicago Cop Sparks Outrage on Twitter and Chicago Streets

ct-ronald-johnsonA 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.

Many took to social media to expres their shock and grief over the lack of indictment:

The announcement angered citizens who began to gather at the corner where Johnson was killed for a rally and press conference:

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.”

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