Deep Dive: 16 Shots (2018)
Film Lens
16 Shots focuses on the murder of Laquan McDonald, a 17-year-old African-American youth, by Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke on October 20, 2014. The film presents a timeline of events leading to McDonald's death, including the initial police ruling of justifiable self-defense and the subsequent release of dashcam footage showing McDonald walking away when he was shot 16 times. This footage contradicted the police narrative and led to public outrage and demands for accountability.
The documentary combines interviews, news reports, and scenes from Chicago to depict the cover-up by police and government officials. It examines the fallout from the incident, including the firing of Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, the ousting of Cook County state's attorney Anita Alvarez, and the conviction of Van Dyke for second degree murder and aggravated battery. The film also addresses the wider effects for police-community relations and the reforms initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice in the Chicago Police Department.
Why Watch
- •See the dashcam footage that changed public perception.
- •Meet key figures like journalist Jamie Kalven and activists.
- •Find out how the cover-up led to national outrage.
Did You Know
•Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times by officer Jason Van Dyke.
•The police initially ruled McDonald's shooting as justifiable self-defense.
•Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel fired police commissioner Garry McCarthy after the incident.
•Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery.
Perfect For
Police reform advocatesTrue crime enthusiastsSocial justice supporters