Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell for hiring the deputy who shot Sonya Massey in her kitchen. The deputy, Sean P. Grayson, faced first-degree murder charges and was fired after the incident. Grayson had a history of DUI convictions and scored “low” on a cognitive assessment, but still met the acceptable standards for hiring. Campbell, who has been sheriff since 2018, is facing pressure to step down following the incident. Five Democrats on the county board want an advisory referendum on the November ballot to determine Campbell’s fate, although he has stated he will not abandon his post. Campbell has acknowledged the department’s failure in the situation and expressed a desire to lead the community out of this difficult time. The governor emphasized the need for more transparency in the hiring process, while U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski is still gathering information before calling for Campbell’s resignation. The referendum would need to be passed by the county board at an upcoming meeting for it to appear on the ballot. Overall, the situation has sparked a debate over Campbell’s future as sheriff and the need for accountability in the hiring process.
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