Illinois Sheriff Steps Down After Deputy's Shooting Incident

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell has announced his retirement effective at the end of August, following the fatal shooting of unarmed Black woman Sonya Massey by former Deputy Sean Grayson. The announcement comes just weeks after the incident, which has drawn significant public outcry and criticism from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who called for Campbell's resignation due to his oversight in hiring Grayson despite his troubling history. Grayson, who was fired by Campbell on July 17 for violating use-of-force standards, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Records reveal that Grayson had a history of misconduct, including two DUI convictions and a discharge from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct. The shooting occurred on July 6 when Massey called 911, believing an intruder was in her home, and was holding a pan of hot water when Grayson arrived. In his resignation statement, Campbell expressed condolences to Massey's family and defended his tenure, claiming he had been "proactive and transparent" in addressing the situation. He attributed his decision to retire to the "political climate," suggesting that external pressures made it difficult for him to continue effectively in his role as sheriff. The incident has sparked discussions about police accountability and the hiring practices within law enforcement agencies, as the community grapples with the implications of the shooting and the subsequent fallout.