Robert Terry's harrowing account of violence and police inaction took center stage at the Chicago Police Board meeting on November 21, 2024. Terry, a disabled individual, recounted a brutal attack he suffered on November 14 outside JJ Fish, where two men he believes to be the restaurant's owners assaulted him, stole his cell phone, and left him injured.
Terry detailed his struggle to report the incident, stating that when he attempted to file a police report, he was met with resistance and was falsely labeled as the assailant in a report filed by the restaurant. He expressed frustration over the police's failure to investigate his claims, despite having video evidence of the attack. "I need a detective to look into this for me," he pleaded, highlighting the urgency of his situation.
The meeting also featured emotional remarks from Pastor Boyle, who urged attendees to remember the families affected by police violence, particularly focusing on the grief of Mrs. Rosa, the mother of Officer Enrique Martinez, who was recently killed. Boyle's poignant message served as a reminder of the human cost of violence and the need for compassion during the holiday season.
As the meeting progressed, attendees were encouraged to remain for further discussions, with assurances that Chief Talley or other officers would assist Terry in addressing his concerns. The meeting underscored ongoing issues of violence, community safety, and the critical need for accountability within the police force.