Jason Van Dyke Who Killed LaQuan McDonald Not Racist, 'Brother' Says
Cop Who Killed LaQuan McDonald Not Racist, Ex-Officer’s Black ‘Brother’ Says
The white Chicago ex-police officer who killed LaQuan McDonald, a Black teen, in a hail of 16 bullets is not a racist, according to the former cop’s African-American in-law.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
He’s speaking out for the first time on behalf of Jason Van Dyke, who’s standing trial in a Cook County courtroom for the first-degree murder of McDonald. It appears to many observers that his statement is a sign of desperation.
SEE ALSO: Laquan McDonald Execution Video Sparks Protests In Chicago
Keith Thompson, who is married to the sister of Van Dyke’s wife, said the family had been silent at the former officer’s request because Van Dyke was concerned about their safety, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
“We may be a biracial family, but we are a blended family, a close family. Although I’m an only child, this guy has become my brother, the only one I’ve ever had,” said 35-year-old Thompson, who also called Van Dyke his “best friend.”
Still, it’s hard for many to understand some other explanation for Van Dyke’s indifference to shooting the Black teenager 16 times—continuing to fire even while he was on the ground dying.
Van Dyke fatally shot McDonald in 2014, and cops released the shooting video in 2015, only after a court order. The video and the circumstances surrounding its release ignited massive angry protests. Chicago Police Department officials faced allegations of covering up the shooting, with its account contradicting what dashboard camera video showed—McDonald trying to walk away from Van Dyke when the cop opened fire.
“When Jay was first charged four years ago, I did not believe for one second this was a racial incident. No how. No way. I never believed this was about color. I never believed what happened was motivated by racism because Jay is not that kind of guy,” Thompson said.
But Thompson’s comments didn’t seem to persuade folks who shared their thoughts on social media.
- Celebs Who Turn 50 This Year
- Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025
- Urban One Radiothon For St. Jude Kids Raises $1.6 Million
- US Embassy Official Told Trump’s South African Refugee Program Is For White People Only, New Report Says
- The 50 Hottest, Flyest & Sexiest Looks from Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour
READ MORE STORIES ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM:
- The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Celebrates Black Business Month
- Christian Coleman Defends Girlfriend Sha’Carri Richardson After Her Domestic Abuse Arrest
- Love Island USA: JaNa Craig Pleads With Fans To Help Her ‘Close This Chapter’ Amid Kenny Rodriguez Split
SEE ALSO:
Bill Cosby Called ‘Serial Rapist’ As Walk Of Fame Star Is Vandalized, Again
Botham Jean’s Family Sues The City Of Dallas
Cop Who Killed LaQuan McDonald Not Racist, Ex-Officer’s Black ‘Brother’ Says was originally published on newsone.com