Chicago protests criticize lack of charges against police officers in Toledo, Alvarez shootings
CHICAGO - Protests were held Wednesday night over Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx's decision not to charge the Chicago police officers who shot and killed two young men last March.
The families of Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez marched to Foxx's office – asking her to change her mind.
"Where is the justice? Where is the justice for brother Anthony? Where is the justice for a 13-year-old kid?" said Mark Clements, Chicago Torture Justice Center.
With signs in hand, dozens of people met at Federal Plaza before leaving for the prosecutor's office Wednesday.
They said they want the officers involved in each case to be held accountable.
This comes after Foxx, on Tuesday, announced the two officers will not face criminal charges in the deaths of 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez – both shot and killed after foot pursuits almost one year ago.
Toledo was shot and killed on March 29, 2021 by Officer Eric Stillman in the city’s Little Village neighborhood. He was running from police, holding a gun. As he turned and dropped the gun, Stillman fired once.
Two days later, Alvarez was shot and killed by Officer Evan Solano in Portage Park during a foot pursuit. Solano saw a gun in Alvarez’s hand.
Rallies to call for charges against Chicago police officers in Toledo, Alvarez shootings
There are several rallies scheduled Wednesday, protesting the decision by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx to not charge the officers responsible for the deaths of 13-year-old Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez.
In both cases, prosecutors said at the time of the shootings, the officers feared for their lives.
Foxx said her decision not to file charges was made after a thorough investigation and additional review by an outside agency. She explained that she does not believe there was "criminal intent" behind the shootings.
"We must stand against this barbaric decision by Ms. Kim Foxx to not indict these officers," said Clements. "The family is hurting. Did Kim Foxx say that she will provide them with services? No. Did Lori Lightfoot say she would provide them with services? No."
Family members of the two men, on Wednesday, condemned Foxx’s decision.
"Although we are devastated, we are not defeated, and we’re here to show that we are not going to stop fighting until we get justice for Anthony. There’s no reason his daughter should grow up in a city where we can’t trust our leaders," said Roxana Figueroa, Alvarez’s cousin.
Toledo's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Chicago.
CPD is not commenting on either case – only confirming that the shooting of Toledo is currently an open COPA investigation. Additionally, a CPD spokesperson said that COPA’s recommendation from its investigation into the shooting of Alvarez is currently with Superintendent Brown for review.