Unhelpful defense comments mar just Van Dyke verdict

The just verdict in the Jason Van Dyke murder trial should begin a time of healing for all Chicagoland. Prosecutor Joseph McMahon solemnly remarked "the verdict was gratifying", adding "it sends a message of hope that our justice system works for everyone." Whatever healing occurs won't result from defense attorney Daniel Herbert who called the verdict "a sad day for law enforcement. I can only imagine if police officers think they can never fire against someone who is acting the way Laquan McDonald had whey they're 12 feet away from him." What Herbert laments is precisely what every one of our million cops must think when encountering  another Laquan McDonald.  Alas, Herbert's unhelpful words were topped by Illinois Fraternal Order of Police leader Chris Southwood who said "This is a day I never thought I'd see in America where 12 ordinary citizens were duped into saving the asses of self serving politicians at the expense of a dedicated public servant.

Herbert and Southwood's comments only serve to inflame tensions over inner city policing and must be called out and resisted by all of us of good will.