Observer Snaps His Way Into Contempt Of Court

Moises Bernal snapped his fingers, loudly, multiple times, to indicate he approved of a Chicago judge’s choice not to dismiss murder charges against a police officer. That act was enough for the judge to find Bernal in contempt of court, and set bail at $40,000. Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke is on trial for the 2014 shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Cook County judge Vincent Gaughan warned in April that protestors in the court would be held in contempt if they harassed Van Dyke. When Bernal snapped his fingers, Gaughan called him to the stand and asked why he was at the hearing. Bernal responded: “To see a racist murderer on trial.” Gaughan said the snapping sound “disrupted this court completely,” and held him in contempt.