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Rev. Jackson plans rally in support of Chicago prosecutor

Mar 31, 2019 | 5:26 PM

CHICAGO — The Rev. Jesse Jackson and other clergy are planning a rally in support of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who’s faced criticism since her office dropped charges against actor Jussie Smollett .

Jackson’s Rainbow/PUSH Coalition says the civil rights leader will join fellow clergy, elected officials, attorneys and community activists for a Monday morning rally at the Chicago Temple supporting Foxx.

Jackson says in a statement that the criticism of Foxx is “unreasonable, unjustified and politically motivated.”

Foxx has faced criticism since prosecutors dismissed all 16 felony counts against Smollett, who is black and gay. The “Empire” actor was accused of faking a racist, anti-gay attack on himself in January.

Authorities say that in return for the charges being dropped, Smollett agreed to forfeit the $10,000 he put up to get out of jail and completed community service. The Chicago Tribune reports that the community service included volunteering at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

The Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago plans a protest outside Foxx’s office Monday over the dismissal of the Smollett charges.

The Associated Press

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