Police looking for "people of interest" – Variety



[ad_1]

UPDATE: The Chicago Police Department has released two images of a surveillance video showing "potential people of interest" in the alleged "actor attack" of the Empire " Jussie Smollett.

"Photos of people of interest who were in the area of ​​the alleged badault and battery of members of the Empire's distribution," said the Chicago PD's chief of communications in the photos. "Although video does not capture a meeting, detectives take this development seriously and want to interview people as new cameras are being reviewed."

Pictures of people of interest who were in the area of ​​the alleged badault and battery of members of the Empire's distribution. Although video does not capture a meeting, detectives take this development seriously and want to interview people as new cameras are being reviewed. pic.twitter.com/xJDDygtocr

– Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 31, 2019

Smollett's music executive also confirmed he was on the phone with the actor when he was attacked in Chicago early Tuesday morning, and he had heard some of what had happened.

Brandon Z. Moore, who represents Smollett, said Variety that he gave his account to the police, but refused to go into details because it is an active investigation.

The attack is described as a hate crime and involves two men shouting "racist and homophobic abuses" at Smollett, pouring out an "unknown chemical" and winding a rope around his neck, according to the Chicago Police Department. . In a follow-up interview with the police, Smollett also told investigators that he heard badailants shout "MAGA country". MAGA stands for "Make America Great Again," the slogan of President Trump's campaign.

Moore said Variety that he heard these words used. "I heard that clearly. I heard the fight and racial slurs, "he said.

Related

Guglielmi said that Smollett had recalled the use of the phrase "MAGA country" to detectives during their first follow-up investigation. They were not initially disclosed to the police officers interviewed, but the detectives filled out an additional report containing the updated information. "

Smollett has been transported to Northwestern University Hospital and has been listed in good condition.

According to ABC News, a threatening letter addressed to Smollett was made before Tuesday, and this investigation has now been entrusted to the FBI.

The incident was widely condemned in Hollywood as well as by a number of Capitol Hill lawmakers. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Candidate for the Chair, wrote on Twitter that Smollett "is one of the gentlest and sweetest human beings I know. I pray for his quick recovery. It was an attempt at lynching modern times. Nobody should fear for his life because of his baduality or the color of his skin. We must confront this hatred. "

Former Vice President Joseph Biden, presidential candidate of 2020, wrote that "what happened today to @JussieSmollett should never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this safe haven; Homophobia and racism have no place in our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie.

Smollett's next Saturday concert at Troubadour West Hollywood has not been canceled, although details are still to be determined.

[ad_2]
Source link