1,000 signatures reached
To: State Attorney Melissa Nelson, Sheriff T.K Waters, Mayor Donna Deegan
Justice for William McNeil Jr!
The people of Jacksonville and the broader black community nationwide are horrified and outraged by the brutal, unprovoked assault inflicted upon one of our residents, William McNeil Jr. during a routine traffic stop on February 19, 2025..
According to his own account, they were pulled over at approximately 4:00 PM for a minor violation, their headlights being off. Crucially, the weather conditions were clear which includes no rain, smoke, or fog, disproving any claim of reduced visibility to justify the stop escalating. The resident'request for a supervisor tragically became the catalyst for unwarranted and extreme violence.
What followed was a shocking and disproportionate use of force. While William states they were actively attempting to comply by putting their hands behind their back, officers violently slammed them to the ground. This savage act resulted in severe injuries:
- A chipped tooth.
- A lip torn open by their own tooth, requiring 9+ stitches.
- A concussion.
- Short-term memory loss.
This doesn't even include the sucker punch by JSO cop Officer D.J Bowers caught on camera.
These injuries are not minor, they are evidence of a pattern of vicious, uncontrolled attacks and wanton criminality by those sworn to protect and serve.
The people of Jacksonville condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms. The violence escalating from a minor traffic stop is unacceptable and represents a gross abuse of power and a fundamental betrayal of public trust. There is no justification for the level of force used against anybody.
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a pattern of excessive force and lack of accountability with JSO that disproportionately impacts our black community members.
Organizations such as the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and others are calling for:
1) The release of the names of all officers involved and the termination of Officer D.J Bowers and others involved in violence against Mr. McNeil JR by Sheriff TK Waters
2) State Attorney Melissa Nelson to reopen the criminal investigation into Officer D.J Bowers and the criminal actions of those involved
3) The creation of civilian oversight board with JSO through a Public Safety Committee via Executive Order by Mayor Donna Deegan
4) No additional funding to JSO and money from policing going towards the community
We demand Justice for William McNeil and all victims of JSO police brutality.
Why is this important?
With so many issues with unchecked police violence being perpetuated by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the violence that occured to William McNeil Jr is all to familiar. The State Attorney, Sheriff and Mayor all must answer for the violence of JSO officers whose brutality is funding with our tax dollars without any oversight from the community.
It's time to take a stand today for WIlliam McNeil Jr, Charles Faggart, Justin Knight and so many countless other victims of police brutality in Jacksonville.
It's time to take a stand today for WIlliam McNeil Jr, Charles Faggart, Justin Knight and so many countless other victims of police brutality in Jacksonville.