Police officer killing black teen video sparks Chicago protests

It is becoming an all too familiar narrative of American culture and in particular the country’s obsession with firearm activity. Another day and another death of a young black man at the hands of the police.

What usually follows is a string protests as angry members of the public take to the streets to demonstrate against police brutality. This is also usually racially aggravated, thus anger boils up and of course, violence begat violence.

This cycle has once again manifested after the release of a dash-cam (car dashboard) video that shows an officer shooting and killing 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Last night protestors took to the streets of Chicago after the footage had been widely viewed.

The incident of McDonald’s killing took place in the month of October 2014. Protesters were gearing up to the release of the video after a judge ruled, at a court hearing, that it should be available to the public by Wednesday.

The police officer in question, Jason Van Dyke, on Tuesday was charged with first degree murder and will remain in custody without bond for the murder of McDonald. The teenager died at the scene after being shot a total of 16 times unanswered.

Protestors took the streets last night screaming “16 shots. We got to fight back!”

It at least looks like this time justice will prevail but will America ever rethink it’s gun laws?