COPA Releases Chicago PD Video and Materials From 2021 Officer-Involved Shooting

Today, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released materials related to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 7, 2021, near 6300 South Bell Avenue. In addition to a member of the public being shot by a Chicago Police Department member, the incident resulted in the tragic death of Chicago Police Officer Ella French and serious injury to a second Chicago Police Officer. COPA received a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for materials related to this incident and is required by law to release relevant materials. Pursuant to court orders entered on August 16, 2021, in the case of People v. Eric Morgan and on August 25, 2021, in the case of People v. Emonte Morgan, COPA was prohibited from releasing materials related to this incident. Those criminal cases are concluded, and the court orders are no longer in effect, therefore allowing materials to be released. “COPA is releasing this video in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and in keeping with our commitment to transparency and public accountability,” said Chief Administrator LaKenya White. “As we do so, it is important to remember that this video captures a profoundly tragic event. Our thoughts remain with Officer Ella French and Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., their loved ones, colleagues, and all those whose lives were forever changed by this incident. I encourage everyone who views this video and all videos COPA releases to do so with respect for those affected.” COPA serves as the designated agency for the City of Chicago authorized to release video and other materials per the Consent Decree and the City’s Video Release Policy

The statement notes that the released video captures a profoundly tragic event.