Chicago Police Identify ‘Potential Persons of Interest’ in Jussie Smollett Attack

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

After reviewing hundreds of hours of security camera video footage, Chicago police said Wednesday they had identified “potential persons of interest” in relation to the reported racist and homophobic attack against actor Jussie Smollett.

Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer for the Chicago Police Department, tweeted Wednesday afternoon “CASE UPDATE: Hours ago #ChicagoPolice detectives located a surveillance camera that shows potential persons of interest wanted for questioning in reference to the assault & battery of Empire actor. A community alert w/ photos is being constructed and will be disseminated shortly.”

Advertisement

Smollett told police that he had gone out for food around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning when he was attacked by two men wearing ski masks. The men reportedly yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, beat him in the face, poured a chemical believed to be bleach on him and put a noose around his neck.

Advertisement

Chicago police said Wednesday morning that they had reviewed surveillance camera footage from the area but were unable to find any video of the attack taking place.

Advertisement

Police said photos of the persons of interest will be released soon.