Former Virginia Governor Pardons Ex-Police Sergeant in Fatal 2023 Shooting

Youngkin cites 'lawful' use of force in pardon of ex-officer convicted in unarmed man's death

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has pardoned a former Fairfax County police sergeant, Wesley Shifflett, who was convicted in 2024 of reckless firearm use in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man, Timothy McCree Johnson, in 2023. Youngkin cited a police report concluding Shifflett's actions were 'objectively reasonable' because he believed Johnson posed a threat, despite Johnson saying he was not reaching for anything.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over legal protections for law enforcement and when the use of deadly force is justified, especially in incidents involving unarmed individuals. Youngkin's pardon of the ex-officer's conviction raises questions about accountability and whether the justice system adequately addresses police shootings of civilians.

The details

In February 2023, Shifflett chased Johnson out of a mall parking deck and into a wooded area, where he yelled 'Get on the ground' and then fired two shots at Johnson just two seconds later. Shifflett claimed he saw Johnson reaching for his waistband, but body camera footage showed Johnson saying 'I'm not reaching for nothing. I don't have nothing.' Shifflett was convicted in 2024 of reckless firearm use, though he was acquitted of manslaughter. Days before leaving office, Youngkin pardoned Shifflett, citing a police report that found his actions 'lawful' and 'consistent with the department's policy and training'.

  • On February 22, 2023, Shifflett fatally shot Timothy McCree Johnson.
  • In 2024, Shifflett was convicted of reckless firearm use in Johnson's death.
  • On January 15, 2026, Youngkin granted Shifflett an absolute pardon.

The players

Glenn Youngkin

The former Republican governor of Virginia who pardoned ex-police sergeant Wesley Shifflett.

Wesley Shifflett

A former Fairfax County police sergeant who was convicted in 2024 of reckless firearm use in the fatal shooting of Timothy McCree Johnson, an unarmed man, in 2023.

Timothy McCree Johnson

The unarmed man who was fatally shot by former police sergeant Wesley Shifflett in 2023.

Melissa Johnson

The mother of Timothy McCree Johnson, who criticized Youngkin's involvement in the case when he first curtailed Shifflett's sentence.

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What they’re saying

“The deadly force used by Sgt. Wesley Gonzalez Shifflett on February 22, 2023, was both lawful and consistent with the department's policy and training.”

— Glenn Youngkin, Former Governor of Virginia (nbcwashington.com)

“Why now do we find it necessary to vacate or not consider the jury's verdict, and to think that this honorable and fair judge did not sentence within the guidelines that he was afforded to?”

— Melissa Johnson, Mother of Timothy McCree Johnson (nbcwashington.com)

What’s next

The case has sparked renewed debate over police use of force and accountability, and it remains to be seen how Youngkin's pardon will impact ongoing discussions and potential policy changes in Virginia.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often controversial issues surrounding police shootings of civilians, particularly when the use of deadly force is deemed 'lawful' by authorities despite a jury's conviction. It underscores the need for continued scrutiny and reform to ensure accountability and justice in these types of incidents.