1:24 p.m.: Cardinal Cupich urges peaceful protest
In anticipation of the verdict, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich urged the anxious city to follow the wishes of the slain teen’s family who has urged protesters to remain peaceful.
“Let us listen to their voice and decide to pray and not strike out,” Cupich said in a statement released to the media after the judge confirmed the jury had reached a verdict. “To extend our hands in friendship, not in hate. To gather in our mutual pain and ask the Lord and each other for the balm of tolerance and love. “
Cupich continued, “If we choose peace, heart by heart, house by house, block by block, we will show our children and the world that hate has no place in Chicago. Let this be remembered as a turning point – when peace prevailed. Then as Dr. King said, 'We will emerge from the bleak and desolate midnight of man's inhumanity to man into the bright daybreak of freedom and justice.'"
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1:16 p.m.: Judge warns against outbursts in courtroom on word of verdict
Judge Vincent Gaughan publicly confirmed that the jury deciding Jason Van Dyke's fate reached a verdict at 12:32 p.m. Friday after less than eight hours of deliberation.
In detailing plans to announce the verdict at 1:45 p.m., Gaughan warned the courtroom gallery against making any outbursts when the outcome is read. He promised to arrest anyone who disrespects the jury because they have carried a tremendous burden serving on this case.
“I don’t want anyone second-guessing them,” he said.
Before leaving the bench, the judge acknowledged the outcome will be emotional for everyone involved.
“Look into your hearts and control your emotions,” the judge said.
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12:52 p.m.: Verdict to be announced about 1:45 p.m.
Judge Gaughan said the jury's verdict will be announced at about 1:45 p.m. in his courtroom.