Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) critical of police killing 13-year-old boy after foot chase March 29. | Photo Courtesy of Adriane Johnson website
Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) critical of police killing 13-year-old boy after foot chase March 29. | Photo Courtesy of Adriane Johnson website
Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) labeled Adam Toledo's death at the hands of Chicago police 'tragic and senseless' and added to the many lives lost as a direct result of racism in the U.S.
"Adam Toledo should still be alive today," the Buffalo Grove lawmaker said in an April 16 Facebook post. "His tragic and senseless killing is a fatal consequence of the deep-rooted racism that pervades our justice system, and it is yet another reminder that we must continue pushing for reform."
Toledo, 13, is shown on video being shot in the Little Village neighborhood March 29 only a moment after a law enforcement officer saw him holding a handgun after a chase on foot. The incident has sparked outrage within the Chicago area and nationwide.
"My heart breaks for Adam’s friends, family and community," Johnson said. "In his memory, and in the memory of the countless individuals we have lost to racist violence, I vow to keep fighting for safety, fairness and justice for our communities of color."
Despite claims by Chicago police officers that Toledo was a threat, opponents of the shooting said the death of the 13-year-old was uncalled for and disproportionate in the force taken. Police said that officer Eric Stillman shot Toledo. He was placed on 30-days administrative leave.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot held a news conference with Police Superintendent David Brown after the incident on April 5.
Brown declined to answer when asked if Toledo had fired at officers.
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