A vigil for Eddie Russell Jr. outside Peoria City Hall preceded the regular council meeting. Many who proceeded into the meeting took a knee during the pledge of allegiance.
Russell was shot by police after a 2-hour standoff at his family home last month. Police followed him there as the suspect in the armed bank robbery that had just happened.
His mother, Anita Johnson says an injustice was committed. “And I believe police officers should be held at a higher accountability because they represent the law. And anytime somebody is shot 18-20 times that’s excessive force. And excessive force shouldn’t be allowed anywhere in America.”
The Peoria Police Officers who fired were immediately placed on critical incident leave pending the conclusion of the Illinois State Police investigation.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady says he met with the Illinois State Police Tuesday. He says physical evidence from the scene is still being processed and their written reports are in progress. Brady says the investigation will be transparent and it’s hoped to be complete next month.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady says he met with the Illinois State Police Tuesday. He says physical evidence from the scene is still being processed and their written reports are in progress. Brady says the investigation will be transparent and it’s hoped to be complete next month.