Civil Rights Activist John C. Barnett Joins Community in Support of Xandria Harris
Community members gathered Friday, August 7, to support Xandria Harris as her case continues through the Kankakee County court system.
Civil rights activist John C. Barnett II, a Charlotte-based national civil rights advocate and community activist, joined supporters of Xandria Harris during a press conference and demonstration held Friday, August 7, 2026, in connection with the beginning of Harris’ trial.
Community members gathered carrying signs in support of Harris as they called for what they believe should be equal treatment and justice throughout the legal process. The gathering began with a prayer led by Pastor Holiday before speakers addressed the crowd and shared their concerns about Harris’ case and the broader criminal justice system.
Harris is connected to the December 2021 shooting in Bradley that resulted in the death of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and the serious injury of her partner,
now-retired Sgt. Tyler Bailey. Darius Sullivan, who was convicted of shooting Rittmanic and Bailey, is serving a life sentence. Harris’ supporters, however, maintain that she should be released and contend that she has been unfairly treated by the justice system.
The supporters’ gathering focused heavily on concerns about the treatment of Harris, her family and those advocating on her behalf.
Those attending the demonstration expressed allegations of unequal treatment within the Kankakee County court system. Supporters alleged that Harris’ family members have been restricted from speaking publicly about the case and that some family members have faced limitations regarding their ability to attend court proceedings.
Supporters also raised concerns about Harris’ attorney and alleged restrictions involving the attorney’s ability to discuss the case on social media.
Another concern involved courtroom security procedures. Supporters alleged that individuals attending court on behalf of Harris have not been permitted to bring their cell phones into court while supporters of law enforcement have allegedly been permitted to do so.
These claims were among the issues raised by activists and supporters during Friday’s gathering. The allegations represent the perspective of Harris’ supporters and would require confirmation from court officials and other parties involved in the case.
Community activist Travis Miller was also present in support of Harris.
Barnett has spent years traveling across state lines to advocate for people who believe they have been treated unjustly by legal or governmental systems.
He leads an initiative called T.H.U.G., True Healing Under God as a national civil rights activist, third-party advocate, mentor and life coach. His activism grew out of personal tragedy after losing his brother to street violence.
Barnett said members of Harris’ family contacted him approximately four years ago about her situation. He said he traveled for hours and across multiple states because he believed her circumstances deserved attention and advocacy.
Barnett’s activism has included participation in the Million Man March and protests and demonstrations involving cases concerning George Floyd, Keith Lamont Scott, Trayvon Martin and other Black men whose supporters believed they were treated unjustly by the criminal justice system.
During Friday’s gathering, Barnett referenced a saying his grandmother instilled in him:
“If it looks like a snake and acts like a snake, it’s a snake.”
Barnett used the statement as part of his broader message about recognizing patterns of injustice and holding systems accountable.
He also spoke about the swastika located on the ceiling of the Kankakee County Courthouse, raising questions about what he believes the symbol represents and the message it sends to members of the community.
Barnett outlined three major points during his remarks concerning what he described as injustice in Kankakee County. His comments centered on accountability, community involvement and the need for residents to recognize and challenge systems they believe are unfair.
Chicago community activist Jackie Sample also attended the gathering and spoke in support of Harris.
“I am here to support what is happening with the young lady that has been accused of being involved with the shooting of those officers,” Sample said. “I am here to support her and make sure she gets justice. I heard about the court situation through the civil rights leader Mr. John Barnett. I am going to stand with her and make sure that her civil rights are upheld.”
Sample said she came to Kankakee because she believes Harris deserves support and representation during the legal process.
Several people close to Harris spoke about her character and the person they know outside of the allegations surrounding the case.
Kaylin Phillips described Harris as a loving person and an avid reader who reads books on a weekly basis.
Anne Boyd also described Harris as a loving mother.
Gloria Boyd, Harris’ mother, spoke passionately about her daughter and maintained that Harris is innocent and should not be involved in the criminal justice system.
For Harris’ family and supporters, the case represents more than a courtroom proceeding. They say it represents a broader question about fairness, due process and whether people accused of crimes receive equal treatment regardless of who they are.
Christopher Hammond also addressed the crowd and shared his own account of what he described as an injustice involving law enforcement.
Hammond said that two of his horses were murdered by a white man. Hammond said he, his wife and their two children brought the matter to Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe’s office seeking assistance.
According to Hammond, the family was asked to leave the office after Rowe learned that the officer involved had an association with him. The allegations made by Hammond were presented as part of his personal account.
During the gathering, InSight News Reader asked Barnett what outcome he hoped to see within the Black community and whether he believed people could come together to address issues of injustice.
Barnett’s response centered on organization and participation. He encouraged people to become involved with organizations that are actively making a difference, creating an impact and advocating for Black communities.
His message was that change requires more than individual outrage, it requires people to organize, participate and remain committed to causes that affect their communities.
For Harris’ supporters, Friday’s gathering was an opportunity to make their voices heard as her legal proceedings continue.
The presence of Barnett, family members and other community advocates demonstrated that the case has attracted attention beyond Kankakee County.
As Harris’ case moves forward, supporters say they will continue to attend court proceedings, raise questions about the treatment of Harris and her family, and call for what they believe is equal justice under the law.
Editor’s Note: Statements regarding alleged court restrictions, unequal treatment, law enforcement conduct and other accusations presented during the press conference are attributed to the individuals who made them. Allegations should not be interpreted as established facts unless independently confirmed through court records, official statements or other verifiable documentation. The charges and proceedings involving Xandria Harris remain matters for the court to determine.
