FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Raquel Coombs
rcoombs@naacpnet.org 

NAACP President Arrested During Chicago Protest 

CHICAGO – NAACP National President and CEO Cornell William Brooks led members of the Westside and Southside NAACP branches, the Illinois State Conference, members of the Chicago Sinai Congregation and young seminarians in a protest and rally today outside Chicago’s City Hall calling for a wholesale, systemic review of the Chicago Police Department. President Brooks traveled to Chicago in the wake of the murder of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke.

President Brooks, along with nine other young members of the clergy were arrested at the conclusion of the protest while kneeling in prayer in the middle of the street. Despite the arrests, the NAACP will continue to demand justice for Laquan McDonald and an independent review of the shooting. Officer Van Dyke has been charged with first-degree murder.

President Brooks and the nine other protesters were released shortly after arrest.
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.