United States Congressman Bobby Rush produced videotape evidence of members of the Chicago Police Department relaxing in his burglarized office. The incident occurred at the Congressman Rush’s office at 54th and Wentworth Ave. While looters vandalized other businesses nearby, officers were seen on video taking an extended coffee and popcorn break. Video from Rush’s office shows footage of up to 13 officers, including three supervisors in full chill-out mode, making themselves very comfortable while destruction occurred on the South and West Sides.
“Their conduct will confirm the perception that too many people on the South and West Sides were left to fend for themselves,” Mayor Lightfoot added. “That police don’t care if Black and Brown communities were looted and left to burn.”
Mayor Lightfoot continued by saying the police officers’ actions were deplorable and came at a time when the city and their fellow officers needed them the most.
Instead of serving and protecting the citizens of Chicago, the officers are seen serving and protecting themselves in the Congressman’s office at the cost of taxpayers.
“They even had the unmitigated gall to go and make coffee for themselves and to pop popcorn – my popcorn – in my microwave while looters were tearing apart businesses within their sight and within their reach,” Rush stated in dismay.
During the press conference addressing the issue, Congressman Rush also praised Mayor Lori Lightfoot for quickly responding to his concerns. Mayor Lightfoot said the city would take the strongest possible action, particularly with supervisors. Chicago Police Supt. David Brown also expressed frustration with the officers’ actions.
“I’m not playing with you that I mean what I say when I say we’ll hold you accountable,” Brown said. “Move, get out of the way, but we are going to uphold the nobility of this profession. This conduct is not representative, but if it’s not, let’s do something about it.”
Anthony Ellis McGee is an author and freelance writer living in the Chicagoland area. Find him on social media @ AEMHighProductions.
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