A group of Black pastors led a “Call-To-Action” press conference outside Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp’s office on July 1. Self-described as a “diverse coalition of clergy, community partners, business leaders, and concerned citizens from Chattanooga and Hamilton County,” the alliance voiced its support for former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy, alleging that her recent indictment was unjust and politically motivated.
“Today, we stand with Chief Murphy as she faces allegations that threaten to tarnish her reputation, undermine her leadership, and threaten her very freedom,” declared the Reverend Dr. Ernest L. Reid Jr., pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church, who spoke on behalf of the group.
“These allegations are just that–allegations. In our legal system, one is innocent until proven guilty. This attempt to discredit an African American woman in leadership reeks of petty partisan politics, with dangerous outcomes if applied uniformly. Chief Murphy has led with integrity and honor, even under unfair constant personal attacks. She has challenged the status quo, advocating for a fair and impartial environment. Her commitment to high standards, independent thinking, and community engagement has made a tangible positive difference.”
Dr. Reid called for Murphy to receive her full contract pay-out and encouraged community members to contact City Council representatives to support this “request.”
Murphy’s contract, renewed in March, provided an annual salary of $177,700. However, the office of Mayor Tim Kelly stated she would receive 90 days’ severance, amounting to approximately $44,431.68.
“And we ask our local legislators to convene and present sensible legislation that limits the disclosure of address and other personal information that could put key city and county officials and leaders at risk,” Dr. Reid added.
Immediately following the coalition’s “Call-To-Action,” District Attorney Wamp took to a separate podium and unleashed an angry response, accusing the religious leaders of being “opportunistic” and indifferent to justice. She asserted that her office was not responsible for the charges against Murphy, having referred the matter to a prosecutor from another county.
Last year, she said, 77% of homicides in Chattanooga claimed the lives of Black men, women and children.
“Of all of those that were cleared, which we know that rate is high, every single one was a Black perpetrator,” she pointed out. “I don’t recall a press conference speaking out against those killers. I don’t recall a press conference where you stand up and are the voice of victims. Maybe I wasn’t invited to that one,” said Wamp.
Wamp concluded her rebuttal and clap back by accusing the coalition of prioritizing Murphy’s indictment over the lives of Black citizens.
“When this group of people begins to take care of their community, and love on their community so that we see a decrease in violent crime, I will begin to respect them,” she snapped. “Until then, do not come down to this courthouse and race bait. This is not about race. I have nothing further to say.”
Dr. Reid, and the Reverend Dr. William Terry Ladd III, pastor of First Baptist Church East 8th Street, on July 10 met exclusively with the Chattanooga News Chronicle via Zoom to address DA Wamp’s accusations.
“First of all, our press conference was not intended for the DA,” said Dr. Ladd. “We were there to simply highlight Chief Murphy’s record, and the integrity that she showed while she was in office. And we wanted to make to the community very clear that the indictments were not as nefarious as some outlets and some people in our community were thinking they were. So we really had no comment or statement toward the DA, and towards her involvement in the case.”
Dr. Reid added, “The biggest thing that was problematic about this thing to me is that on several occasions she referred to, and pointed to ‘her’ office. Actually, she pointed to her name up on the wall, up above the door. She said that this is ‘her office.’ In a democracy, she’s an elected official. In a democracy, the office belongs to the people. And, as a DA, she is nothing more than a steward of the office until people say otherwise. So the statement itself was very autocratic in nature, and that’s disheartening.”
Dr. Ladd said he had a problem with some of DA Wamp’s language.
“When you use phrases such as ‘your community’ and ‘you people’ and not include yourself in the overall community, it dehumanizes people,” he said. “We’ve heard those words from law officials in the past, and it’s just reminiscent of days where segregation was king. If we’re going to make progress, and be inclusionary, some of that divisive language from the past is not helpful.”
Dr. Ladd defended the Black clergy members’ public service record.
“While we may not publicize everything we’re doing, we’ve been active in diversionary programs in our communities on a consistent basis,” he explained. “And we’re adamant in working toward reducing violence in our communities. In one instance, we contacted the DA, and she didn’t show up. We contacted her twice. There’s a youth diversionary program called CAD (Community Accountability Diversion). She was contacted. And that program is primarily focused on young men and women in the juvenile court system. So for her to put the narrative out there that we are not active in our communities, or that we don’t care about violence, that is very untrue. We have been active, and remain active.”
Dr. Reid concluded, “But this situation here, we think is much larger than Chief Murphy. It revolves around African American leadership in general, both within the city and county as a whole. And in just insuring that when leaders come to our community, that they feel protected as well as empowered to do their jobs.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) began investigating Murphy’s residency claims in April at the request of District Attorney Pro Tem D. Michael Dunavant. The investigation revealed that Murphy had claimed an address in Fulton County, Georgia, while registering to vote in Hamilton County using a Chattanooga address, despite her contract requiring city residency.
The findings led to a 17-count indictment by a Hamilton County grand jury on June 25, charging Murphy with illegal voter registration, false entries on official documents, forgery, perjury, and official misconduct. Murphy, 56, surrendered on June 27 at the Hamilton County Jail, where she was booked and released after posting a $19,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 12 for her arraignment.
