Chicago police chief wants to fire 7 cops for McDonald shooting cover-up

An initial investigation into the incident carried out by the city’s inspector general also recommended that two other officers involved should be fired. According to a statement from Chicago Police Department (CPD), however, these two officers "have since retired.”

Johnson was also advised by the inspector general that a 10th officer, a female, should also be sacked, but Johnson has decided against this.

READ MORE: Special prosecutor appointed in Laquan McDonald case

In a message to rank and file officers on Thursday, Johnson wrote that he’s aware “this type of action can come with many questions and varying opinions,” but added that “these decisions were not made lightly.”

“As I have said before, with every decision that I make, I always keep in mind the tremendous sacrifice, bravery and commitment of every officer,” he continued, according to the Chicago Sun Times.

 

The recommendation will now be sent to the Chicago Police Board for consideration as it is the board who decides the final punishment.

It’s reported that Johnson will now turn his focus to the manner in which then-Supt Garry McCarthy and his executive staff dealt with the case and discrepancies between dash cam footage of the incident and the accounts given by the police officers involved.