CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago man is facing federal charges alleging he threatened the life of the white police officer convicted of killing black teenager Laquan McDonald.
Thirty-two-year-old Matthew Ross is accused of going online to threaten Jason Van Dyke and his family. A three-count indictment was made public Thursday in U.S. District Court.
Ross was initially arrested on Oct. 4 when he attempted to attend closing arguments in Van Dyke’s trial. Ross was charged then with electronic harassment and disorderly conduct and released on a recognizance bond.
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Prosecutors say jury selection for the trial was underway when Ross allegedly posted his first threat.
Van Dyke in October was convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the 2014 shooting death of the 17-year-old McDonald. Last week he was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison.
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