They have damages for the costs of investigating a false police report.
They already tried him it’s not his fault that he got off lightly.
He was not tried - the States Attorney dropped the charges. But regardless, that has nothing to do with potential civil damages he may be found liable for.
Chicago is just trying to modify the outrage knowing that they will never win this.
They will have discovery, finding of fact, testimony, etc...and it appears the evidence is quite strong in their favor.
I admire the politeness of your response. I know I would have not been as nice.