Ever wonder why the term “Chicago politics” is synonymous with words like “sleazy” and “dirty”? The “Corruption Capital of America“? Look no further than the shocking actions today of Cook County prosecutors. They up and dropped all charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett … up and did it despite police having “rock solid” evidence of his guilt.

Did it without even bothering to tell Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson, who had passionately laid out the case against Smollett in a spellbinding, tearful press conference. Did it two weeks after we learned how hard Michelle Obama’s former chief-of-staff leaned on top prosecutor Kim Foxx. The same Kim Foxx whose campaign pocketed $408K from George Soros. Yes, the same Kim Foxx who credits Kamala Harris for her early political success. The same Kamala Harris who is pals with Jussie Smollett and is now running to “prosecute the case” against the man whose supporters Smollett falsely claimed assaulted him. 

“That is the Chicago way.”

Chicago’s Mayor and Police Gobsmacked

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the prosecutors’ decision was “not on the level” and a “whitewash of justice.” (Probably not the best choice of words, mayor.) Emanuel said it sends the clear message that for those who have political influence a difference code of justice exists.

A “punch in the gut,” CPD Area Central Cmdr. Ed Wodnicki called it to reporters after hearing the news that Smollett was skating free.

Said Supt. Johnson, “Do I think justice was served? No. … I think this city is still owed an apology.” Johnson also said that if Smollett knew himself falsely accused he would want his day in court.

Ironically, or perhaps as a message to the CPD, which has long butted heads with Foxx, Johnson learned the news while attending a graduation ceremony for new officers. Welcome to the force. Welcome to Chicago politics. 

Read about the 16-count indictment against Smollett here. And watch Supt. Johnson’s emotional summation of what Smollett did to his city. It’ll help you see why CPD is so hurt and angry. 

 

Foxx Guarding the Henhouse 

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Foxx’s office let Smollett go free. Early in the case, Foxx had recused herself, but wouldn’t say why. She didn’t mention that Michelle Obama’s chief of staff called to pressure Foxx into having the FBI take the case from the Chicago PD. That pressure from the Obama team came out just two weeks ago. The Fraternal Order of Police immediately cried foul and demanded a federal investigation into Foxx’s activities on the case. They accused her of interfering in the investigation and want to know if she broke the law.

Fox 32 reporter Rafer Weigel says nobody’s buying the idea Foxx didn’t have a hand in today’s decision.

The State’s attorney’s office is saying the decision to drop the charges against #JussieSmollett did not come from Kim Foxx as she recused herself. No one that’s close to the case that I’ve talked to outside of #Smollett’s legal team believes that.

— raferweigel (@RaferWeigel) March 26, 2019

At this point we should mention Smollett is tight with the Obamas. 

Smollett Takes a Victory Lap

After today’s hearing, Smollett gave another performance.

“Not for a moment was it in vain,” Smollett said. “I have been truthful and consistent on every single level since day one. I would not be my mother’s son if I was capable of one drop of what I was accused of.” 

A quick reminder. He identified two men in an surveillance video as the white MAGA men who attacked him. Police identified the men as two Nigerian-American brothers, friends of Smollett’s, who later confessed to the whole scheme. 

In fact, let’s rewatch the video of the brothers Ola and Abel Osundario purchasing the items used in the staged attack — paid for by Smollett.

Smollett says he wants to get back to work and on with his life. “But make no mistakes. I will always continue to fight for the justice, equality and betterment of marginalized people everywhere.” Bravo. 

A Reminder of What Smollett Claimed

Jussie Smollett claims he was accosted in Chicago by two white men shouting “Aren’t you that f****t from Empire?,” who proceeded to beat him up. They put a white rope around his neck and poured bleach on him, he says, while hurling the n-word and saying “This is MAGA Country!” 

After Smollett declared on Good Morning, America that to even doubt his story amounted to racism, The Stream published a list of things that needed to happen for Smollett’s account to ring true:

1. The bad guys had to be out at 2 a.m. … in minus 17 degree temperatures.
2. They had to be wandering the same street as Smollett.
3. They had to cross paths with him, who had only run out, he says, to get a quick sandwich at a 24-hour Subway.
4. Despite Smollett being bundled up against the bitter cold, and not being anywhere you’d expect to see a Hollywood celebrity, let alone one out and about at 2 a.m., they recognized the actor.  (That was very suspicious to me.)
5. They also recognized Smollett from the show Empire … not exactly a huge hit with the MAGA demographic. And definitely not Must See TV for racists. 
6. They also had to know that Smollet was, like his character, gay. (How many people are up on the personal lives of stars of even shows they like? That, too, is odd. I mean, he’s not even a lead.)
7. They’d have to be carrying around rope. And carrying bleach in temperatures where bleach would freeze. 
8. If the Trump-hater narrative is true, the attackers would have to either
   a) be one of the few Trump supporters in an extremely liberal neighborhood. As a local who doubts Smollett says, “Half the people are gay and the other half are black.”  OR
   b) They traveled in -17 degree weather in the middle of the night to an unfriendly neighborhood looking for trouble on the off chance a suitable target was out in the cold. 
9. They’d have to manage to attack Smollett in the small 60-second window of time not caught by surveillance cameras.
10. They’d have to not be spotted fleeing the scene by the numerous cameras in the area. 

What’s Next?

Foxx may have appeased her friends and political supporters by dropping charges against Smollett in that old Chicago way. But Smollett’s troubles are not over. He is still being investigated by the FBI on federal mail fraud charges for allegedly sending himself a threatening letter at Empire‘s studios. When that letter did not elicit a suitable reaction, Chicago police said, he decided to stage the attack.

The FBI wouldn’t confirm an ongoing investigation today. However, Chicago police are telling Fox News the FBI is still at work. ABC7 Chicago also reminded readers on Twitter that “an FBI case is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, do not hold your breath for an apology, Trump supporters. And may no other malicious hoaxers be inspired by Smollett’s act — and the will of progressive politicians to protect him.