Grandmother Testifies in Wrongful Raid Civil Rights Trial Against Chicago Police

Cynthia Eason recounts the traumatic 2018 incident where officers pointed guns at her family during a mistaken raid.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:07pm

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On the second day of a civil rights trial, Cynthia Eason, the grandmother of the family whose home was wrongly raided by Chicago police in 2018, testified about the terrifying experience. Eason broke down in tears as she described officers pointing guns at her, her daughter, and her grandchildren, and making the family stand outside in their undergarments for 30 minutes before providing a sheet to cover up.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about excessive force and misconduct by the Chicago Police Department, especially in incidents involving children. The family's lawsuit alleges a pattern of such raids on innocent families, raising broader questions about police accountability and the need for reform.

The details

In 2018, Chicago police officers raided the family's home based on faulty information from a paid informant. Eason testified that officers pointed guns at her head and her family members, with one officer telling her "Is this real?" when she questioned the raid. The family's attorney argued this raid is part of a systemic issue within the CPD, while the officers' attorney denied any misconduct.

  • The raid on the family's home occurred in 2018.
  • The civil rights trial began on February 2, 2026.
  • Cynthia Eason testified on the second day of the trial, February 3, 2026.

The players

Cynthia Eason

The grandmother of the family whose home was wrongly raided by Chicago police in 2018. She testified about the traumatic experience of officers pointing guns at her and her family.

Ebony Tate

Cynthia Eason's daughter, who was also present during the 2018 raid and had guns pointed at her by the officers.

Chicago Police Department (CPD)

The law enforcement agency responsible for the mistaken raid on the family's home, which the family's attorney argues is part of a broader pattern of excessive force and misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“He put his gun here,”

— Cynthia Eason (CBS Chicago)

“Is this real?" And he said, 'Yes.'”

— Cynthia Eason (CBS Chicago)

“I thought they were going to shoot her,”

— Cynthia Eason (CBS Chicago)

What’s next

The trial is ongoing, and the officers involved in the raid are expected to testify in the coming days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for the Chicago Police Department to address systemic issues of excessive force and misconduct, especially when it comes to the treatment of innocent families and children. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for police accountability and reform efforts in the city.