Crime
Illinois State Police release new details in Rock Island officer-involved shooting that killed 21-year-old Jakarta Jackson
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Illinois State Police have released additional information regarding the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jakarta Jackson by a Rock Island police officer. The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 6, remains under investigation.
According to the Illinois State Police media release, the situation began at approximately 3:20 p.m. when a Rock Island police officer attempted multiple times to stop a vehicle driven by Jackson, who had an active arrest warrant.
Jackson eventually stopped the vehicle but fled on foot. During the pursuit, he circled back to his car and attempted to flee again.
The officer opened the driver’s door in an effort to arrest Jackson but was reportedly dragged by the moving vehicle.
In response, the officer discharged their firearm, striking Jackson. Emergency medical services were called immediately.
Sources told us that Jackson was shot by Officer Brett Taylor.
Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The officer involved also sustained injuries and was treated at a hospital.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure in such cases. Their identity has not yet been released.
The Rock Island County Integrity Task Force (RICITF) is leading the investigation, which includes reviewing footage from in-car and body-worn cameras.
In a statement, the Illinois State Police emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, noting that premature release of video or other evidence without authorization from the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office could compromise the case.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the findings will be turned over to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review and a final determination.
Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson stated that a preliminary autopsy revealed Jackson died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Friends and family of Jakarta Jackson gathered on Monday at the Rock Island County Justice Center and the Rock Island Police Department to protest and demand answers regarding the incident.
Leading the protest was Jackson’s niece, Shayia Jackson, who called for accountability and transparency.
In an earlier statement, Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud confirmed he had “immediately” requested the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force to investigate the use of deadly force, underscoring the department’s commitment to an independent and impartial review of the incident.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force at 309-752-4915, extension 4935.
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Solomon Henderson, Antioch High School shooting suspect motive revealed in alleged manifesto
‘I was so miserable. I wanted to kill myself. I just couldn’t take anymore. I am a worthless subhuman, a living, breathing disgrace,’ the 17-year-old gunman allegedly wrote.
Authorities are investigating a chilling 47-page document reportedly written by 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, the suspected gunman responsible for the deadly shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee.
The manifesto, which surfaced online shortly before the tragic incident, offers a harrowing glimpse into the suspect’s thoughts, motives, and preparations leading up to the attack.
Download full 47 pages Manifesto
The document, allegedly posted to a social media account linked to Henderson, contained detailed plans for the shooting, including a layout of the school, photos of weapons he intended to use, and his personal struggles.
Henderson’s final entry was dated November 18—the same day that Metro Nashville Police Department responded to a hoax call reporting a school shooting at Antioch High School.
In one of the writings, Henderson reportedly expressed deep personal anguish and self-loathing, writing, “I was so miserable. I wanted to kill myself. I just couldn’t take anymore. I am a worthless subhuman, a living, breathing disgrace.”
He lamented feeling isolated and abandoned by friends, stating, “All my real-life friends outgrew me, acted like they didn’t f**ing know me. Becoming me was so humiliating. That’s why I spend all day dissociating.”*
Much of the alleged manifesto touches on Henderson’s struggles with race and identity.
In several passages, he expressed feelings of shame about his racial background and used inflammatory language targeting different ethnic and religious groups.
Henderson also mused over society’s perceptions of criminals, writing, “The difference between good and bad criminals depends on how well they were dressed. It depends on what weapon they used, their posture, their plan of attack… Even the very worst of criminal acts are forgiven by simply looking good.” He also listed goals to improve his physical appearance in preparation for the attack.
In a Q&A section of the manifesto, Henderson denied being a victim of bullying in the conventional sense but claimed he was “bullied in the cultural sense,” which he argued was a universal experience.
His criticisms of Antioch High School were harsh, calling it “a daycare” and claiming that students were incapable of independent thought. “In school, we’re taught to wake up early, shut up, sit for long periods of hours, do tasks you hate, then repeat.”
Investigators believe Henderson meticulously planned the attack, including links in the document to other manifestos, mass shooting guides, and images of the handgun, lockpicking tools, and ammunition he intended to use.
On the morning of the shooting, Henderson arrived at the school via bus and proceeded to a restroom, where police believe he retrieved the firearm.
Surveillance footage captured him wearing a hoodie as he entered the cafeteria just after 11:00 a.m., where he confronted 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante and opened fire.
Escalante was fatally shot, and another female student sustained a graze wound to her arm. Henderson then turned the weapon on himself, sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
A third student, a male, was injured during the commotion, suffering a facial injury unrelated to gunfire.
Henderson reportedly live-streamed the attack, and posts on his social media accounts revealed he had considered purchasing a GoPro camera to document the event but refrained due to concerns over explaining the purchase to his parents.
While the Metro Nashville Police Department has not yet officially verified the authenticity of the manifesto, Chief John Drake confirmed that investigators are examining materials found online.
“There are some materials on the internet that we’re looking at,” Chief Drake stated. “If someone had seen something and said something, maybe more could have been done.”
Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to report any suspicious online activity that could indicate potential threats to school safety. The investigation remains ongoing as the community grapples with the devastating impact of this tragic event.