Anita Alvarez defends record to FOX 32 News

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Activists claim Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez mishandled the Laquan McDonald case and are demanding she resign. But instead, she's campaigning for a third term as state's attorney, even as she prosecutes for murder the officer who shot McDonald.

In an interview with FOX 32’s Mike Flannery, Alvarez said the case exposed serious shortcomings in Chicago Police Procedures.

“Why didn't any of those officers have tasers? There were eight officers there that night, eight. None were equipped with tasers. I think that's something that the police department has to look at. We have the videos. We have the dash-cam. However, we don't have audio. Why don't we have audio?” Alvarez said.

Alvarez also discussed her record after seven years in office. 

She faces two challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary: Donna More, a former lawyer for the Illinois Gaming Board; and Kim Foxx, former chief of staff to Toni Preckwinkle. 

The Cook County Board president says Alvarez has done a "disgraceful" job as prosecutor.


“Toni Preckwinkle's problem with me begins and ends with the fact that she's tried to meddle in my office ever since she got into her office. She has a job to do. And I have a job to do. And my record has proven that I have been one of the most innovative state's attorneys here in Cook County,” Alvarez said.

Political editor Mike Flannery's entire interview with Alvarez will be broadcast on FOX Chicago Sunday at 8:30 a.m.