CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – A protest is planned for January 10, 2025, outside Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) following the Christmas Day killing of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing. The rally, organized by families of deceased inmates and prison reform advocates, seeks accountability for what many allege is systemic neglect and abuse within the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).
The protest dubbed the “Justice Rally,” will begin at noon and calls for participants to hold signs and join the movement for change. A flyer circulating on social media reads:
“ODRC Has Blood on Their Hands
Blood On Your Hands
Justice Rally
January 10th, 2025
Location: Ross Correctional Facility
12 PM
Make a Change, Be the Voice.”
A social media post from the organizer encourages participation, stating: “CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU AND YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD! THEIR VOICES WILL BE HEARD!!”
The rally comes in the wake of Officer Lansing’s death during an inmate assault, which has brought renewed attention to safety and management issues at RCI. Families of inmates have alleged widespread mistreatment, citing uninvestigated deaths and poor prison conditions.
The inmate accused of killing Lansing had a documented history of conflict with the officer. According to prison records, inmate Rashawn Cannon had previously threatened Lansing during a disciplinary incident in April 2024. On Christmas Day, Lansing was fatally assaulted, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Cannon has since been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility and charged in Lansing’s death.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family of Officer Lansing. Those who wish to donate can do so here: Fundraiser by Brandy Murphy : Help our Fallen Officer and Hero Andrew Lansing’s Family.
The incident has sparked outrage among correctional staff and the public. The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA) has called for the suspension of ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith, citing systemic failures in leadership that put staff and inmates at risk. An online petition has garnered a significant amount of signatures asking the director to step down.
The Justice Rally will coincide with a growing call for federal oversight of Ohio’s prison system. Activists, families, and corrections officers alike are demanding reforms, including better staffing, improved safety protocols, and greater accountability for preventable deaths.
As the rally date approaches, organizers hope to shine a spotlight on the issues and amplify the voices of those seeking justice for both staff and inmates who have died under questionable circumstances at Ross Correctional Institution.