The scandal has involved a total of 44 officers, about half the department, though not all are accused of sending racist texts. For years, Antioch officers routinely used private text messaging groups to flaunt their racist views, spouting slurs in front of superiors without fear of reprisal. Thorpe said he met with police Chief Steve Ford about the shooting and urged him again to fire the officers involved in a racist texting scandal that has gained national attention and shamed the department.

Over the weekend, one such celebration was cut short as a result of gun violence.” “They represent growth, reflection and appreciation for life’s gifts. “Birthdays are one of the most intimate and sacred celebrations in everyone’s life,” Thorpe said in his statement. Police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest publicly. She died at a hospital after being rushed there in an ambulance. “Each day these officers are on leave is another day we are prevented from having a stronger police presence on our streets to deter and/or respond to gun violence,” Thorpe added.Īuthorities on Monday did not identify the 18-year-old girl who was killed, citing the investigation. Thorpe cited the Antioch department’s ongoing issues with staffing - compounded by the racist texting scandal, which has led to some 20 percent of the police force being suspended as authorities move through the disciplinary process. The city’s mayor, Lamar Thorpe, released a statement early Monday saying his “heart is with the victims and families” and insisting on swift change. Police said earlier that uninvited guests came to the party sometime before the gunfire started. It was not clear if the shooting took place inside the home where party was happening or outside the residence. The six people reported to be injured in the shooting were all expected to recover from the injuries, police said earlier.

Sunday on Sunset Lane near Mountaire Park. On Monday, police released no new details about the shooting, which took place about 1 a.m. ANTIOCH - Less than two days after a shooting at a teen’s birthday party killed an 18-year-old girl and wounded six others, the city’s mayor drew a line from the “horrific incident” to the city’s beleagured police department, already operating far below capacity after multiple officers were placed on leave amid a racist-texting scandal.

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