Sheriff Bryan Bailey must resign for enabling years of abuse
The Issue
For over a decade, Sheriff Bryan Bailey led the Rankin County Sheriff's Department while brutal violence — including torture, racial slurs, and excessive force — was inflicted on Black residents by deputies under his command. And now we know he had evidence all along.
Despite video footage, FBI involvement, and multiple lawsuits alleging egregious misconduct, Bailey allowed deputies to stay on the force — some of whom later joined the so-called "Goon Squad" that tortured Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker in 2023. Even after one deputy was filmed using a Taser on a handcuffed man, the department only handed down a short suspension. In another case, a Black teen was rammed by a patrol car and beaten while restrained — and no charges were filed.
Sheriff Bailey claimed to be shocked by the Goon Squad’s actions. But reports show he and his department had been warned for years. Either he knew and looked the other way — or he failed entirely in his duty to lead and protect.
The people of Rankin County deserve leadership rooted in accountability, not cover-ups. Sheriff Bailey must step down now so trust can begin to be rebuilt.
Sign this petition to demand Bryan Bailey resign as Sheriff of Rankin County, Mississippi.
Photo: Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press
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The Issue
For over a decade, Sheriff Bryan Bailey led the Rankin County Sheriff's Department while brutal violence — including torture, racial slurs, and excessive force — was inflicted on Black residents by deputies under his command. And now we know he had evidence all along.
Despite video footage, FBI involvement, and multiple lawsuits alleging egregious misconduct, Bailey allowed deputies to stay on the force — some of whom later joined the so-called "Goon Squad" that tortured Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker in 2023. Even after one deputy was filmed using a Taser on a handcuffed man, the department only handed down a short suspension. In another case, a Black teen was rammed by a patrol car and beaten while restrained — and no charges were filed.
Sheriff Bailey claimed to be shocked by the Goon Squad’s actions. But reports show he and his department had been warned for years. Either he knew and looked the other way — or he failed entirely in his duty to lead and protect.
The people of Rankin County deserve leadership rooted in accountability, not cover-ups. Sheriff Bailey must step down now so trust can begin to be rebuilt.
Sign this petition to demand Bryan Bailey resign as Sheriff of Rankin County, Mississippi.
Photo: Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press
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Petition created on July 11, 2025