Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has called for the resignation of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, in light of the recent fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Massey, a Black woman, was shot in her home last month by a deputy sheriff after she had called 911 seeking help. Pritzker, a Democrat, expressed his disappointment with Sheriff Campbell's handling of the situation and emphasized the need for reforms within the sheriff's office.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Pritzker criticized Sheriff Campbell for failing to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding why he hired the deputy sheriff who had previously been terminated from other law enforcement agencies. Pritzker also highlighted the lack of necessary reforms, such as improved training, and expressed concern about the sheriff's failure to meet with the Massey family.

The former deputy sheriff involved in the incident, Sean Grayson, has since been fired and is facing charges that include first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Prior to joining law enforcement, Grayson had been discharged from the army due to repeated drunken driving arrests.

According to records, Sheriff Campbell was aware of Grayson's DUI convictions, but maintained that such a history did not disqualify him from being hired. However, Grayson had received reviews during his law enforcement career that indicated a need for additional training, as well as one disciplinary problem. A psychological evaluation conducted in March 2023 stated that Grayson needed to exercise more caution in making decisions.

Governor Pritzker, along with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, met with the Massey family two weeks ago to offer their condolences and support. Pritzker criticized Sheriff Campbell for not meeting with the family himself, while Campbell stated that he had requested meetings through intermediaries but had not received any acceptance thus far.

The tragic incident has drawn attention and renewed calls for police reform from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address systemic issues, enhance law enforcement training, and promote transparency to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Sheriff Campbell, despite the mounting criticism, has stated his intention to remain in his position and lead the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. He expressed his commitment to learning from the tragedy and working towards a better future for his county.

As the investigation continues and the calls for reforms grow louder, the spotlight remains on Sangamon County and the urgent need for accountability and change within its law enforcement agencies.