Immediate Release of Jail Death Video

Commissioner Alisa Simmons Repeats Her Call for

Immediate Release of Jail Death Video

Today, I am amplifying my call for the release of all video that captured the April 21, 2024, altercation that preceded the death of Mr. Anthony Johnson, Jr. in the Tarrant County Jail. I am repeating my April 29, 2024 request for myself and my colleagues to view all video from jail cameras and cell phone footage that captures what occurred before, during, and after the death of Mr. Johnson. It is important that we allow the family to view the video first, subsequently make the video available to Commissioners Court members, and then release it to the public.

Clearly, today’s termination of a jail staffer by the Sheriff is indicative of conduct so egregious in the Johnson case that it has warranted at least one termination.

I have repeatedly called for members of the Commissioners Court to be able to view the video of what transpired in the jail the day that Mr. Johnson died, yet I have been rebuffed. I am now asking all members of the Commissioners Court to make the same demand of Sheriff Waybourn. My colleagues and I have a significant role to play in solving the problems leading to these unacceptable deaths in our jail.  We cannot do so operating at a constant deficit of crucial information. Of my colleagues, I find it particularly important for Commissioner Ramirez to echo my demand for release of the video given his role as the County Commissioner for the Johnson family. Now is not the time for timid, milquetoast statements.

In my service as County Commissioner, I have observed with amazement the deafening silence in which most of colleagues on the Tarrant County Commissioners Court have disregarded jail deaths and inefficiencies at the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department all the while endangering lives, violating the civil rights of inmates and their families, and costing taxpayer millions of dollars.

I am here to serve county residents and manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. I am not here to cover up for the county when wrongdoing occurs. I want transparency for this family, as well as for others who might find themselves in similar situations. I take my responsibility as a county commissioner seriously. I hope my colleagues do as well. Release the video now! Let us stop standing by as if we are powerless bystanders. We were elected to address problems like this afflicting our community.