TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Protestors chanted outside the Tarrant County Jail Thursday afternoon speaking out against the recent inmate deaths.
Angela Luckey, the Grand Prairie NAACP Chapter President, was in attendance calling for more than just local government officials to be involved.
"The Federal Government should be all over this coming in here doing a full investigation," Luckey said.
The death of Anthony Johnson, Jr. on April 21 was ruled a homicide by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. They determined that Johnson died from mechanical and chemical asphyxia, meaning he could not get enough oxygen because his airways were restricted by a chemical and a physical force or object.
On May 25, jailers found 35-year-old Chasity Bonner unresponsive in her cell. Her family is awaiting autopsy results while Bonner's death is under investigation.
Liz Badgley is part of the group called "Fight For Justice Tarrant County," which organized Thursday's demonstration. She helped the group obtain the proper permit to hold public protests. Her organization is also calling for federal attention to the Johnson's and Bonner's jail in-custody deaths.
"We are also demanding a federal investigation from the Department of Justice," said Badgley.
Officers had to warn protestors to stay out of the streets as some were seen stepping in front of vehicles. Some of them also followed people walking down the sidewalk after exiting the jail.
"We will protect their First Amendment Rights just like we would anyone else. They can gather and protest right up until they block traffic, harass pedestrians or interfere with business downtown," The Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
Protestors tried to deliver the sheriff a list of demands at his office, but deputies locked the doors to the building.
Badgley told WFAA the list contains a request for Bill Waybourn to resign as sheriff, that all the jail and hospital staff present during Anthony Johnson Jr.'s death be held accountable, and for the sheriff to release the entire jail video involving Johnson's death.
Demonstrators said their fight wasn't over and vowed they would return another day for another protest.
