Approximately 150 people converged on the square at the Walker County Courthouse Saturday afternoon for a protest rally over the recent death of inmate Anthony “Tony” Mitchell. Following the rally, the group marched to the Walker County Jail and continued the protest.
Protesters read a list of demand, including the call for the release of all body camera and jail surveillance footage pertaining of Mitchell during his time in the jail.
The group also asked for the resignation of Sheriff Nick Smith, as well as all officers and personnel involved with the events leading to the death.
Ryan Cagle, an organizer of the protest, said the large number of people who came out Saturday shows the community is coming together for change.
“It shows that we believe that there is something that can happen differently here; that a different world is possible and a different Walker County in possible,” Cagle said. “We want the Mitchell family to know that we are here for them and love them.”
Cagle said the concern is not only for Justice for Mitchell and his family, but also for more transparency and to raise awareness to the fact more help is needed in the area for the mentally ill.
Angela Randolph, wife of Dr. Ken Randolph, spoke during the protest, saying she was a former addict, but she had been clean for 20 years.
“I know I’m going to get a lot of hate for being here today, and i know there are people in this community who know my past,” she said. “I’m a former addict and I’ve done things I’m not proud of.”
Randolph said she was able to become clean and stay that way for three reasons: her faith, her family and “recognizing that an environment like Walker County offers nothing to stimulate personal or individual growth.”
Randolph, a Sipsey native, did speak on the fact that all law enforcement in the area should not be held accountable for the death of Mitchell.
“Don’t be attacking the workers and the unaffiliated officers at the department,” she said. “They still have a job to do, and we need them to do it. Without them, we would revert back to the Wild West, and we don’t want that.”
Linda Rowell spoke and said her son, Vincent, also died in the custody of the sheriff’s office back in 2009, which was a different administration.
“I want justice. Not just for Vincent- for Tony, for everyone. It is important because think about it. It could happen to another family member. Who’s to say, it could happen to your family member.”
After several speakers, the group marched from the courthouse to the jail, carrying signs and chanting phrases, such as “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!”
Cagle said on Sunday that organizers are planning weekly vigils starting Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. on the courthouse square.
“That said, someone from the core group will be out there protesting every day this week but not at set times.”
