Reactions after former Columbus police found guilty of fatally shooting unarmed arm
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – City leaders and others are voicing their opinions after a former Columbus police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man was found guilty of murder.
On Monday, a Franklin County jury found Adam Coy, 48, guilty of murder, reckless homicide and felonious assault in the 2020 shooting of Andre Hill, 47. As the verdict was read, family members of both Coy and Hill cried.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9, an organization that serves officers in Franklin County, expressed disappointment with the verdict, claiming political influence compromised Coy’s right to a fair trial. The group said Coy acted in accordance with his training and did not know Hill was unarmed until after the shooting.
“We mourn with the community over the tragic loss of Mr. Hill, but we stand firm in our belief that Officer Coy was subject to political and media bias that no one should face in a court of law,” said President Brian Steel “Today’s outcome reflects this environment, and we urge our community leaders to ensure that law enforcement officers receive fair treatment under the law – just as they work to uphold for others.”
City leaders conveyed satisfaction with the outcome of the trial. City Council President Shannon Hardin said the verdict is a step toward healing and change and thanked jurors for their “diligent deliberation.”
“Andre Hill should be alive," Hardin said. "But this is more than a single case; it’s about building a Columbus where every resident feels safe, seen, and valued. ... I pray this verdict of accountability brings the Hill family the closure they deserve."
Mayor Andrew Ginther, who called for Coy's firing after the shooting, also released a statement, saying Columbus is “determined to right the wrongs of the past,” and residents’ safety is his ultimate priority. Coy was fired a week after the shooting, and Ginther later replaced the chief of the police force.
“Andre Hill should still be alive today,” Ginther said. “I remain deeply committed to doing everything within our power to honor his memory, deliver justice to his family and prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who worked with Hill’s family on reaching a record $10 million settlement in a lawsuit with the city, said the verdict delivered justice after four years of waiting.
“Andre was an unarmed, innocent man, and his life was taken with disregard for the duty to protect and serve,” Crump said. “Today’s verdict underscores that no one is above the law, including those sworn to uphold it.”
Judge Stephen McIntosh will sentence Coy on Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. He faces 15 years to life in prison.