Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker, has called for the resignation of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell after a deputy under his command fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home last month. Pritzker, a Democrat, criticized Campbell for what he deemed as a failure to address several important issues related to the incident.

The shooting occurred on July 6, when 36-year-old Sonya Massey called 911 for help. Body camera footage released on Monday revealed that Massey had ducked and apologized to the deputy, identified as Sean Grayson, only moments before he fired three shots, ultimately resulting in her death.

Campbell, who hired Grayson in May 2023, stated his intention to remain in his position despite the Governor's demand for resignation. Governor Pritzker expressed his disappointment in Campbell, suggesting that he had failed to explain how he hired a deputy who had previously been let go from other departments.

While there is no evidence of Grayson being fired from any previous positions, his law enforcement career has not been without controversy. Before becoming a law enforcement officer, Grayson was discharged from the Army due to two drunken driving arrests in close succession. Additionally, he held six jobs in four years, with some reviews indicating a need for further training and a history of disciplinary problems.

Grayson was fired on July 17 for violating use-of-force standards by shooting Massey instead of opting for non-lethal actions when he felt threatened. The incident was further scrutinized as authorities revealed that Massey was holding a pan of hot water at the time.

Governor Pritzker criticized Sheriff Campbell for failing to meet with the Massey family despite their willingness to engage in a dialogue. Campbell asserted that he had requested meetings with the family multiple times through intermediaries designated by the family, but none had been accepted. He expressed his desire to still meet with them and stated his willingness to modify hiring practices.

Campbell emphasized that the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office is grieving alongside the Massey family and that the department is committed to healing and learning from this tragic event. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Campbell will heed the Governor's call for resignation or if any further actions will be taken in response to the shooting.

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