Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez was defeated in Tuesday night's primary by Democratic challenger Kim Foxx, amid criticism of the incumbent's mishandling of the Laquan McDonald case. McDonald's death sparked a national outcry after video surfaced last November showing police officer Jason Van Dyke shooting the teen 16 times in less than 30 seconds as McDonald faced away.
"I have been criticized that I wasn't a very good politician, and that's probably right, and that's probably why I stand before you tonight," Alvarez said Tuesday during her concession speech. "But I am very damn proud of the fact that I am a good prosecutor, I have been."
Many, however, argue that Alvarez helped Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel cover up the death of McDonald. Although the state's attorney did eventually charge Van Dyke with murder after a judge ordered video of McDonald's shooting to be released, that was 400 days following the teen's death.
Comment: While Alvarez's ouster was much needed, Rahm Emanuel's head should be on the chopping block as well for his role in the cover up of not only the Laquan McDonald murder, but also the secret facility Homan Square that the Chicago Police Department used to disappear and torture thousands.
Comment: Demagoguery and cognitive dissonance: Making America great again?