Rally Held for Ernest Johnson

A rally was held for Ernest Johnson on Wednesday, September 29, at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The rally, hosted by Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (MADP), was called to publicly ask the governor for mercy for Ernest Johnson, who is to be executed October 5th. Ten speakers reflected on Johnson's intellectual disability, his poor upbringing, the racial disparity in his case and the need for people to stand up and protest the execution.

Rita Linhardt of the MCC talked about the clemency application submitted by civic and religious leaders in the state and the importance of mercy in this case. She also mentioned a letter from the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, urging Governor Parson not to execute Mr. Johnson because of the sacredness of all human life and Johnson's humanity.

After the rally, the numerous speakers took a petition with over 23,000 signatures to the governor's office asking for mercy. You can still make your voice heard by calling the governor at 573-751-3222 (or through this web form https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us) and asking that he extend clemency to Ernest Johnson because of Johnson's intellectual disability.