Hillary Clinton calls for federal investigation of Chicago police tactics
Manchester, New Hampshire -- Hillary Clinton supports a federal review of the Chicago Police Department, her campaign spokesman said on Wednesday evening.
"Hillary Clinton is deeply troubled by the shooting of Laquan McDonald and the outstanding questions related to both the shooting and the video," said Brian Fallon in a statement. "Mayor [Rahm] Emanuel's call for a task force to review practices of the Chicago Police Department is an important step, but given the gravity of this tragic situation, she supports a full review by the Department of Justice."
Seventeen-year-old McDonald was fatally shot last October by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke. Last week, a video of the shooting, which shows Van Dyke firing 16 shots at McDonald, was released and the fallout led Emanuel to fire Chicago's top cop on Tuesday.
Also Tuesday, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan called for a federal investigation by the Justice Department into the police department's handling of McDonald's case and whether police violated the law. Clinton's saying she supports Madigan's call goes against what Emanuel said earlier Wednesday, speaking at an event hosted by Politico in Chicago. He said a federal investigation at this time would be "misguided."
He also bristled at the suggestion that he should resign.
"We have a process called the election," he said. "The voters spoke. I'll be held accountable for the decisions and actions that I make."
Fallon said that Clinton does not believe that Emanuel should step down.
"She knows Mayor Emanuel loves Chicago, and is sure he wants to do all he can to restore trust in the Chicago Police Department," Fallon said.
Emanuel is a longtime friend to both Bill and Hillary Clinton, having served in the Clinton administration as a senior advisor to the former President and as Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama. And recently, he offered his endorsement to Clinton as she seeks the Democratic nomination.
"I've had the honor of working with Hillary as a First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State, and in each role she has shown the leadership, values and concrete plans that make her the best choice to be our next president," Emanuel said in a statement released by Clinton's campaign. "I'm with Hillary and will be working tirelessly over the next year to make sure she is given the opportunity to lead this great country."