Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted on Thursday morning that authorities have identified persons of interest in the area at the time of the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett and they are being questioned.
Police earlier in the investigation released a surveillance video asking the public to help identify the persons pictured in it.
Tweeted Guglielmi: “Through s meticulous investigation, #ChicahoPolice (sic) detectives have identified the persons of interest in the area of the alleged attack of the Empire cast member. These individuals are not yet suspects but were in area of concern and are being questioned. Investigation continues.”
Added Guglielmi: “The people of interest are alleged to be in the area where a crime was reported. They are not considered suspects at this time as they are currently being questioned by detectives. We remain in communication with the alleged victim.”
Guglielmi's tweet came shortly after Smollett's first interview about the attack, with ABC News host Robin Roberts.
UPDATES
TMZ reported early this afternoon that police are re-questioning Smollett and another actor who has appeared on Empire: “Sources connected to the case tell us the actor, not Jussie, was picked up by Chicago PD Wednesday night right after he flew into O'Hare Airport. We're told Jussie was brought in Thursday morning for additional questioning. Another man who was with the actor at O'Hare was also taken in for questioning.”
Guglielmi tweeted following TMZ's report: “To safeguard the investigation, details about the case including timelines & backgrounds of those being questioned by police will not be released or commented on while detectives question persons of interest. Media reports of investigative details cannot be confirmed at this time”
