Topic: Police Indictments

Nineteen Austin police officers were indicted for their actions during 2020 protests, the highest number in any U.S. city. The city faces a severe shortage of officers and a struggling 911 system following a $100 million budget cut. The Austin City Council also approved a $10 million settlement for protesters injured by bean bag rounds.

A grand jury indicted Jussie Smollett following a Chicago Police Department investigation that utilized significant city resources. Legal analysts, including Sonny Hostin, discussed the potential "chilling effect" the case could have on actual victims of hate crimes. The media's initial face-value acceptance of Smollett's story is criticized as shameful, particularly the emotional reactions from news anchors.