Photo Essay: Chicago Responds to the Van Dyke Verdict

Hundreds gathered in the loop to shut down the Magnificent Mile.

By Georgia Hampton October 13, 2018 News

Former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm – one for each shot he fired into the back of teenager Laquan McDonald in 2014. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Afraid that protests of the verdict could cause an uptick in violence across the city, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson warned citizens to protect themselves. Johnson also altered officers' shifts, causing a notable increase in police presence that was felt across the city. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
After Van Dyke's conviction on Friday October 5, protesters marched down Madison, breaking a police line to continue their demonstration on Michigan Avenue. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Protestors chanted "Whose streets? Our streets" as they marched down Michigan Avenue. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Hundreds gathered in the loop to shut down the Magnificent Mile. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Demonstrators switched course down Wacker Drive chanting and holding signs. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Demonstrators turned around on Wacker Drive to continue marching down Michigan Avenue. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Demonstrators chanted “Whose streets? Our streets!” as they marched down Michigan Avenue. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Marchers linked arms at the intersection of Michigan Ave and Ontario Street to shut down traffic in all directions. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
A demonstrator holding a “Black Lives Matter” sign chants with the crowd. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
A demonstrator joins in, chanting “the cops and the Klan go hand-in-hand!” Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Demonstrators chanted “Back up, back up! We want freedom, freedom! All these racist-ass cops we don’t need ‘em, need ‘em!” as they marched. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Many activists and citizens were frustrated when the Chicago Police Department and office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel refused to release the dashcam footage of the shooting after it occurred. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
Thanks to pressure placed on Emanuel's office, the public was able to see the footage two years after the incident occurred. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
When passing by Trump Tower, demonstrators yelled “Fuck Donald Trump!” Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have made multiple poorly received comments about Chicago's gun violence epidemic. Sessions plans to interfere with efforts to create Police Oversight Committees in Chicago and beyond. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.
The demonstration paused at Trump Tower, where protesters showed their anger with the Trump Administration. Photographed by Georgia Hampton.