NAACP Leaders Criticize Youngkin Action In Death Of Black Man

FAIRFAX, VA — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s decision to commute the sentence of a former Fairfax County Police officer convicted of recklessly discharging a firearm in the 2023 death of an unarmed Black man sparked criticism from local NAACP leaders.

"Governor Youngkin's decision to commute the former officer's sentence is a failure of leadership and is a clear signal to the Black community about law enforcement,” said the Rev. Cozy Bailey, NAACP Virginia State Conference president. “His decision is a dangerous message to law enforcement officers that they can take the lives of unarmed citizens without facing the full consequences of their actions. Governor Youngkin's decision further reinforces the culture of impunity that we have fought against for years. We will not back down in our fight for justice."

On Feb. 22, 2023, a Fairfax County Police officer spotted Timothy McCree Johnson, 37, leaving Nordstrom in the Tysons Corner Mall. As he left the store, an anti-theft alarm was activated, police said. Johnson ran through the parking garage, across the parking lot and into a wooded area, where he was shot by police. He was taken by medics to an area hospital, where he died.

Related: Youngkin Commutes Sentence Of Fairfax Officer In Death Of Black Man

On Sunday, Youngkin commuted the sentence of former Fairfax County police Sgt. Wesley Shifflett, who was convicted of reckless discharge of a firearm in Johnson’s death. Shifflett was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison.

Following Youngkin's decision, Shifflett was released after just three days in jail at about 8 p.m on Sunday, his attorney Caleb Kershner told The Washington Post.

“Governor Youngkin’s decision is not just an insult to the Johnson family — it is an affront to every Virginian who believes in equal justice under the law,” said Fairfax NAACP President Niki Zimmerman, on Tuesday. “Timothy Johnson’s life mattered. The community was assured that there would be accountability, and instead, we are witnessing a blatant disregard for that promise. This cannot stand.”

“I am convinced that the court's sentence of incarceration is unjust and violates the cornerstone of our justice system — that similarly situated individuals receive proportionate sentences,” Youngkin said. “I want to emphasize that a jury acquitted Sgt. Shifflett of the more serious charge of involuntary manslaughter, a conviction for which the sentencing guidelines recommend no jail time or up to six months’ incarceration.”

Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Steven Descano also denounced Youngkin's decision to commute Shifflett's sentence.

“I’m outraged at Youngkin’s decision tonight,” Descano said in a statement on Sunday. “Glenn Youngkin has spent the last four years honing his Trump impersonation, and now he’s following in his footsteps by commuting sentences just to score political points. This is an insult to all Virginians who value an untainted justice system.”