In the wake of the tragic death of Sonya Massey, Illinois Sheriff Jack Campbell issued a remorseful apology during a community gathering at Union Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois.
The event, attended by over 500 concerned citizens, was organized by the Community Relations Service of the Justice Department to honor Massey’s memory.
During his emotional address, Campbell admitted to the department’s failures and asked for forgiveness.
“I stand here today before you with arms wide open and I ask for your forgiveness,” he said. “I ask Ms. Massey and her family for forgiveness. I offer up no excuses. What I do is offer our attempt to do better, to be better. We failed. We did not do our jobs.”
The incident in question involved former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson, who shot and killed Massey, an unarmed Black woman, in her home on July 6.
Grayson, who is white, fired his weapon three times, striking Massey once in the face after she moved a pot of hot water from the stove.
The incident was captured on bodycam footage, which was released on July 22.
Despite having non-lethal options available, Grayson chose to use lethal force, allegedly out of fear of being splashed with water.
Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
His past record includes two drunk-driving convictions, dismissal from the U.S. Army for “serious misconduct,” and a history of multiple short-term jobs, including a reprimand for ignoring a command to end a high-speed chase.
The Massey family, along with supporters across the country, have called for Campbell’s resignation, accusing the department of potentially lying about the incident. Massey’s father, James Wilburn, stressed the importance of the bodycam footage.
“If it were not for the camera footage, we as a people, they would have lied their way right out of this,” he stated.
Despite the public outcry and calls for his resignation, Campbell, who was re-elected in 2022, has refused to step down.
“I will not abandon the sheriff’s office at this most critical moment,” he stated. “That would solve nothing.”
Activists and community leaders, like protest organizer Tiara Standage, are urging Black voters to remember this incident during the next election cycle.
“We will not be quiet,” Standage declared. “We will not let this be swept aside.”
