Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (Democrat) called for the resignation of the state’s sheriff following the July murder of Sonia Massey, who was killed after calling 911 for help.
“The sheriff has failed, and I have called for the sheriff’s resignation,” Pritzker said. stated in the bill Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell’s signing took place on Wednesday: “He has not explained why he hired this deputy who was fired from another department; he has not proposed the reforms, training or other reforms that are clearly needed; and he has still not been able to meet with the Massey family.”
Massey, a 38-year-old Black woman, was captured on body camera footage being shot three times in her home by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Shawn Grayson. The incident sparked outrage among many, but Vice President Harris said in an earlier statement that Massey “should have been safe.”
“She called on police for help but was tragically murdered in her own home at the hands of the responding officers who were sworn to protect and serve,” Harris said.[Second gentleman Doug Emhoff] I send my strength and prayers to Sonia’s family and friends, and we mourn her senseless loss with her.”
The Vice President also urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Police Justice Act.
“Our thoughts also go out to communities across the country where calls for help are often met with suspicion, disbelief and even violence. The shocking footage released yesterday confirms what we know from many people’s lived-upon experiences: there is much work to be done to ensure our justice system lives up to its name,” she said.
Governor Pritzker said it was “outrageous” that he did not meet with Massey’s family during the bill signing on Wednesday.
“At the very least, listen to them,” Pritzker said, “listen to what they have to say, and then take action if you can.”
The Hill reached out to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
