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As details about Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack continue to roll out, the Chicago PD has released a statement that they have not confirmed the incident was a hoax.
According to CBS News, “two brothers are being questioned as ‘persons of interest’” regarding Smollett’s attack after their Chicago home was raided yesterday afternoon (Feb. 14).
Contrary to previous reports, CPD says the “persons of interest” are of Nigerian decent, and one of them worked as an extra on Smollett’s hit show, Empire. The brothers traveled to Nigeria the day of the attack, but were detained at Chicago O’Hare International Airport when they returned to the U.S. on Wednesday (Feb. 13) .
Smollett’s attorney, Gloria Schmidt, says the brothers could be charged for their alleged crimes as early as today, but the possible charges are unclear.
“Interviews will resume today with the two people of interest and their attorney,” said the CPD. “While we haven’t found any video documenting the alleged attack, there is also no evidence to say that this is a hoax. The alleged victim is being cooperative at this time and continues to be treated as the victim, not a suspect. The investigation continues.”
“They are baffled about why they are people of interest,” Schmidt said. “It’s an awful thing that happened to Jussie, but it’s not my guys.”
More details to come.