Vandals Waive Hearing

Once again, an awesome turnout at the hearing. Half-assed reporting though:

• More than 60 Chicago police officers jammed into a tiny courtroom at Belmont and Western, in defense of what they consider "their turf": the Grant Park memorial dedicated to the city's 540 fallen officers killed in the line of duty.
  
  The officers are still angry that vandals spray-painted graffiti on the monument on August 26th, and they wanted to show their concern as three of the teenaged suspects appeared in court.

Reports from actual non-media types who can count put the attendance figure at closer to 100.

And it's our "turf"? It's a Memorial to 540 people who gave up their lives for this ungrateful city. A small piece of land in honor of their sacrifice.

In any case, the defendants waived their hearing, opting to go directly to the Chief Judge for assignment to a courtroom to be announced later. By waiving the probable cause hearing, we imagine we'll be seeing guilty pleas shortly. It's the best play for them if they have clean records. Expect probation and maybe community service.

A big thanks to everyone who showed up the past few appearances - On and Off duty PO's, Gold Star Families, Police Supporters, a few Exempts and Rabbi Wolf from the Police Chaplains. If we've forgotten any notables, you can name them in the comment section. Again, thank you all.