CHICAGOANS REACT TO VAN DYKE’S CONVICTION

Years of controversy over Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke’s fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald came to a head Friday when a jury convicted him of second-degree murder. Here’s what people across the city had to say about the verdict.

“I was kind of shaking [while the verdict was read]. I think it kind of sets a precedent. I do still think there’s a lot to be done. There needs to be a lot of reform with police training in this city. Hopefully it scares police officers into not being so trigger-happy.”

MAX BAIRE, 26, Logan Square

“I was pleased with the verdict; I think it was in line with how I felt, that he went beyond what a reasonable person would do in that situation.”

TAMMY FITZ, 40, Bucktown

“I understand why people were out there celebrating. I hope it kind of turns things around for how people view people shootings . . . Just because you’re a police officer doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.”

MARKUS OLSON, 34, Lake View

“He shot him 16 times, that was excessive. I thought he should have gotten first-degree. But I’m still happy . . . I was praying and hoping that no rioting or nobody gets hurt or anything, so it’s been kind of quiet, no one has gotten hurt.”

ALMA BIGGS, Pilsen

“I felt it should have been first-degree murder . . . That was unnecessary to pump 16 bullets into somebody who is just laying there . . . If they try to sentence him to like 2 years, 3 years or 6 years, people are going to be upset.”

GREGORY DAVIS, 56, West Side

“One day and one day alone we saw the justice system actually work. I was expecting not guilty because the justice system has failed too many times . . . This gives Chicago hope.”

JAMES PECULIS, 27 South Loop

“Let God’s will be done in America and Chicago because fairness is fairness. Justice has been served.”

ANDRE COTTON, West Side

“The evidence and the actions of the police officer don’t seem to me to be a second-degree murder. There were other officers that kept their composure. He kind of just came in and shot at will

. . . This is a small win but overall people should be out there and continually fighting for what is fair.”

GABOR HIZO, 31, Pilsen

“I agree with the second degree, there was no premeditation whatsoever, I don’t believe that. But yeah, 16 shots is just too many, hands down too many.”

ROBERT SURROCK, 50, West Loop