Holder, Duncan to Discuss School Violence in Chicago
Derrion Albert fatally beaten a week ago
Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 | Updated 6:28 PM CST
At the request of the president, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan will be in Chicago next week to discuss the recent beating death of 16-year-old honors student Derrion Albert.
President Barack Obama asked Duncan, who is now the Secretery of Education, and Attorney General Eric Holder to meet with school officials, students and residents and discuss school violence.
Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Gibbs described as "chilling" a cell phone video showing Albert's beating.
He said the video of teens kicking and striking Albert, a sophomore at Fenger High School, with splintered railroad ties is among the most shocking anyone can see.
He told reporters Wednesday that they should expect an announcement on an administration response to the "heinous crime" soon. While he said government cannot regulate what's in people's hearts, he adding that the White House believes such crimes call for community involvement.
Chicago prosecutors have charged four teenagers in the beating of the sophomore honor roll student. Police are still looking for three more people. Officials say Albert was walking to a bus stop when he got caught up in street fighting.
Copyright Associated Press
Posted Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 - 3:18 PM CST
