Columbus leaders react to police chief’s words after officer-involved shooting

Last week, a customer at the Dollar General on Victory Drive in Columbus fatally shot the store manager, 44-year-old Alexis Hill.

Hours later, an officer-involved shooting connected to the homicide occurred on Baker Plaza Drive.

According to Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis, a shootout ensued between the Dollar General homicide suspect and CPD officers. The suspect died in the shooting. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the suspect as Jerome Willis, 33.

One CPD officer was wounded in the shootout and treated for injuries at a hospital. CPD K-9 Havoc was also injured and underwent surgery at Auburn Veterinary Hospital.

Following the officer-involved shooting, Mathis made public comments that sparked controversy in the Columbus community.

When asked whether the Dollar General homicide was believed to be domestic in nature, Mathis said, “We don’t have any information to say it’s domestic related. It’s cold-blooded. We got it on video, and it’s just a cold-blooded murder.”

WRBL reported Mathis said, “If you commit murder in the city of Columbus, and then you shoot two of my police officers, we’re gonna kill you.”

Some people on social media have expressed support for Mathis’ words regarding the protection of his officers. Others have raised concerns about the violent implications of Mathis’ rhetoric.

Columbus government leaders react to Mathis’ comments

The Ledger-Enquirer on Friday emailed the 10 Columbus councilors, the three councilors-elect, the mayor and the mayor-elect, asking for their opinion about Mathis’ comments.

Councilor Charmaine Crabb of District 5 wrote that Mathis has her “full confidence and support.”

“His comments came immediately after two Columbus police officers were shot while confronting the individual responsible for the Dollar General homicide that was captured on surveillance video,” Crabb wrote. “In that moment, his focus was on the safety of his officers and protecting our community from a violent offender. I believe his remarks reflected the emotion and determination of a police chief whose officers had just come under fire.

“Our officers put their lives on the line every day, and they have my unwavering support. At the same time, I expect every member of the Columbus Police Department to carry out their duties in accordance with the law and departmental policy, and I have every confidence that they will continue to do so under Chief Mathis’ leadership.”

Councilor-Elect Sherrie Aaron of District 3 wrote on Facebook that Mathis’ words were “blunt,” but context matters.

“A woman had just been murdered,” Aaron wrote. “A police officer and a K9 officer had been shot. The community was shaken, and emotions were high. When I heard his comments, I didn’t hear a police chief announcing policy. I heard someone responding to an incredibly violent situation involving the loss of life and injuries to members of his department.”

“... The reality is that when someone is actively threatening lives and shooting at officers, law enforcement has a responsibility to stop that threat. They’re not expected to stand there and become victims. You don’t have to agree with the chief’s choice of words. That’s fair. But I think it’s important to look at what prompted those comments in the first place. A woman lost her life. An officer was wounded. A K9 was injured. Families were forever changed. That’s where my focus is.”

In her reply email to the L-E, Councilor-Elect Cathy Cook of citywide District 9 expressed her condolences to the Hill family but declined to comment about Mathis.

“As the newly elected City Councilor At-Large, I look forward to serving the citizens once I am officially sworn into office,” Cook wrote. “My time to address these matters publicly will come. Right now, our community is grieving the tragic loss of an innocent woman. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”

Mayor-Elect Isaiah Hugley declined to comment.

The L-E also asked Mayor Skip Henderson and Councilor-Elect Becca Zajac of District 7 for their reaction to Mathis’ statements. They did not respond before publication.

Community leaders criticize Columbus police chief

In his publication, the Courier Eco Latino, Wane Hailes, former president for the Columbus branch of the NAACP, raised concerns about Mathis’ threat.

“Police officers are authorized to use deadly force only when it is legally justified — not as punishment, retaliation, or a guaranteed outcome for anyone accused of a crime,” Hailes wrote. “Every officer-involved shooting must be judged by the facts of that specific encounter, not by a blanket promise of what ‘we’re going to’ do.”

In his editorial, Hailes called on Henderson to assure the public “that regardless of emotion, the City of Columbus remains committed to policing that is guided by the Constitution, professional standards, and the rule of law — not by rhetoric spoken in the heat of the moment.”

Columbus resident Theresa El-Amin, board chair of the Southern Anti-Racism Network, told the L-E Mathis’ comments have broken trust between law enforcement and the people of Columbus.

“To serve and protect is their charge,” El-Amin said. “It seems like it puts out a kind of open season so that when people get shot, you wonder if it was a Wild West situation. Did we shoot first and ask questions later?”

Mathis’ comments are dangerous and insensitive in the wake of tragic actions., El-Amin said, and she wants him to Mathis apologize for his words.

“Violence begets violence,” El-Amin said. “And what he did, he set off a wave of violence.”

The Rev. Marcus Gibson of Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church also told the L-E Mathis should apologize and clarify any misunderstandings or misconceptions regarding his public statements.

While Gibson said he understood Mathis was speaking in the heat of the moment, he called his words “ill-advised” and “divisive.”

“Columbus is just one community that we all live in, and no segment of the community needs to feel alienated from law enforcement,” Gibson said.

Melvin Tanner, president of the Columbus branch of the NAACP, wrote in a reply email to the L-E that he extends his condolences to the Hill family, the injured police officer and K-9 Havoc on behalf of the NAACP.

“Today, we are reminded that violence is never the answer,” Tanner wrote. “Every life has value, and every family deserves the opportunity to live in safe neighborhoods free from fear. Public safety is not a responsibility that belongs only to law enforcement — it belongs to all of us. We must work together as neighbors, faith leaders, community organizations, educators, and public servants to create a community where respect, accountability, and opportunity replace violence and division.”

Tanner also wrote, “The words spoken by those in positions of public trust carry tremendous weight.”

“While we fully recognize the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and strongly condemn violence against them, our system of justice is founded on due process, constitutional rights, and equal protection under the law,” Tanner wrote. “Public officials should reinforce those principles rather than make statements that could be interpreted as endorsing punishment outside the legal process.”

The Ledger-Enquirer was unsuccessful in trying to interview Mathis for this article..