Police Chief in Mississippi Fired Following Fatal Shooting of One-Year-Old

The police chief of Senatobia, Mississippi, was terminated on Tuesday following the fatal shooting of one-year-old Kohen Wiley by police in June. Chief Harold Vanderford had submitted his resignation, but the city's board of aldermen opted to fire him instead.

This decision came after reports indicated that Vanderford had used racist slurs in private messages with a colleague. The incident involving Kohen occurred when an officer shot into a vehicle while responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart, resulting in Kohen's death and injuries to another woman. Kohen's mother, Vellesiya Wiley, has denied any wrongdoing.

The incident has heightened tensions in the community, particularly among Black residents, and prompted reactions from local officials. Alderman Demetrius Garrett emphasized the need for accountability within the police department. National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Kohen's family, supported the firing and called for the release of body camera footage from the incident.