A local branch of the Fraternal Order of Police has created an account to raise bond money for the Chicago police officer who was charged with first-degree murder for fatally shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald last year.
The FOP Lodge 7 created the "JVD Bond Fund Account" on Wednesday, a day after Jason Van Dyke, 37, was charged and held without bail in connection with the fatal shooting. Van Dyke is scheduled to appear in court again Monday, when he could receive bond, because Judge Donald Panarese said he wants to see the video of the shooting.
Anyone wishing to donate to the bond fund account can do so at four locations of the Chicago Patrolmens' Federal Credit Union, according to FOP Lodge 7. Checks can be made payable to Tiffany Van Dyke.
On Tuesday, supporters raised money on a GoFundMe page to help Van Dyke post bond, but the page was later removed by GoFundMe because the company "does not accept campaigns for the defense or support of anyone alleged to be involved in criminal activity," according to spokeswoman Kelsea Little.
The GoFundMe page, which appeared to have been created by Van Dyke's wife, raised more than $10,200 before it was shut down. All of the money, however, will be automatically refunded to donors, Little said.
When asked whether someone at FOP Lodge 7 had a comment on their bond fund account, the person who answered the phone said "no" and hung up. Another spokesperson for the organization could not immediately be reached for comment.
