Jason Van Dyke, the Chicago cop indicted for the murder of Laquan McDonald late last year, has asked a judge in the Windy City to excuse him from his upcoming court appearances. According to Van Dyke’s lawyer, Dan Herbert, media and the protestors have been both intimidating and assaultive to his client and members of his client’s family. Herbert submitted a four-page motion to the court which alleged several incidents involving his client:
“Van Dyke has had people flash gang signs at him, spew out racial slurs such as “white devil” and has had protesters blast the sounds of sirens so close to him, it makes it hard for him to hear those who accompany him to court …”
“Journalists have joined others in blocking 37-year-old Van Dyke’s entry to the courthouse, “grabbing at him and attempting to pull him into large crowds.” [..]
“Van Dyke’s supporters have also been hit by equipment wielded by the press … On the last court date in January, a supporter of Van Dyke’s had to be hospitalized because of an injury to the head …”
“[Van Dyke’s father’s] truck was also damaged by a protester, and Van Dyke and others with him were spit on and chased by other motorists as they attempted to drive off …”
Oh woe is he. Well, at least he’s asking permission. Johannes Mehserle, murderer of Oscar Grant on January 1, 2009, said he received death threats also. Since he feared for his life and the life of his newborn son he thought it would be a good idea to go chill in Nevada until things died down. His lawyer at the time said the court was aware of Mehserle’s location and why he was there. But the fact that a judge ordered Mehserle brought back to Oakland, California, and slapped him with $3 million bail shows what a whopper of a lie that was.