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Home • News

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death

Yesterday afternoon, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel apologized to the city of Chicago for 17-year-old Laquan McDonald's death last year, taking full responsibility for the tragedy. Upon finishing his speech, protests broke out throughout the city, with demonstrators calling for Emanuel's resignation. Here are some of the most powerful photos from the day.
By Joslyn Winkfield · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
Unrest in Chi-Town

Mayor Rahm Emanuel apologizes for Laquan McDonald shooting. Demonstrators clash with police, calling for his resignation to allegations of extreme misconduct within the Chicago Police Department.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
02
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators clash with police, calling for the resignation of Mayor Rahm Emanuel due to allegations of extreme misconduct.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
03
Unrest in Chi-Town

Protesters attempt to access the Chicago Board Options Exchange building in the Loop as Chicago police officers keep them back on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 in Chicago.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
04
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators clash with police on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. About 1,000 protestors calling for the resignation of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel marched through downtown blocking traffic and occasionally having brief clashes with police. Emanuel has come under fire as allegations of extreme misconduct in the Chicago Police Department continue to surface and many people have accused the mayor of trying to cover it up.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
05
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators march through downtown on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. About 1,000 protestors calling for the resignation of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel marched through downtown blocking traffic and occasionally having brief clashes with police. Emanuel has come under fire as allegations of extreme misconduct in the Chicago Police Department continue to surface and many people have accused the mayor of trying to cover it up.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
06
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators protest outside City Hall on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
07
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
08
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators clash with police, calling for the resignation of Mayor Rahm Emanuel due to allegations of extreme misconduct.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
09
Unrest in Chi-Town
Demonstrators clash with police, calling for the resignation of Mayor Rahm Emanuel due to allegations of extreme misconduct.
PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
10
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators clash with police on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
11
Unrest in Chi-Town

Police stand guard in front of the Chicago Board of Trade building during a demonstration on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
12
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators protest along Michigan Avenue on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
13
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators march through a Macy’s store on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
14
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators march through downtown on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
15
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators hold signs with messages using #ResignRahm.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
16
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators march through downtown on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
17
Unrest in Chi-Town

Demonstrators clash with police, calling for the resignation of the mayor.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
18
Unrest in Chi-Town

A newspaper is offered for sale outside of City Hall as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses a special session of the City Council as his administration continues to come under fire as allegation of extreme misconduct in the Chicago Police Department continue to surface.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
19
Unrest in Chi-Town

A woman shouts out from the visitor’s gallery as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses a special session of the City Council as his administration continues to come under fire as allegation of extreme misconduct in the Chicago Police Department continue to surface on December 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Many people are calling for the mayor to resign, accusing him of trying to cover up the misconduct.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images
20
Unrest in Chi-Town

Chicago Police officers block an entrance to City Hall during a Justice for Laquan protest on Wednesday in Chicago.

PHOTOS: Chicago Protests Erupt After Mayor Issues Apology for Laquan McDonald's Death
Getty Images