JASPER, Texas — Mayor Anderson Land is having to balance his grief for his family member while also doing his job for the city. He tells 12News that this is a situation he could have never prepared for.
"It's only so much I can do as the Mayor. And it's kind of hard juggling between my Police family and my blood family," said Mayor Land.
As first cousins, Mayor Land and Elvin Land were very close.
"More like brothers cause you know since I've been back, you know, we've spent a lot of time together," said Mayor Land.
As an elected official for the city of Jasper, Mayor Land says he's now in a tough position. Having to take accountability for the actions of the Jasper Police Department, while still grappling with the loss of his cousin.
"I️ can't form an opinion, I have seen it. Like I said if there's anything that's wrong with it that comes out from the investigation from the Texas Rangers it will be publicized. If the PD was wrong, it will be wrong," said Mayor Land
Mayor Land told 12News that this is a complex situation for him.
"I will tell anybody I'm gonna back them 100% if they're right. But I still have my blood family that I have to deal with," said Mayor Land.
12News watched the body camera footage released by the Jasper Police Department with Jasper residents.
" It was very, very disturbing but they did identify themselves," said resident Dinah Greer.
Greer says it's relieving to hear that the police announced themselves once inside the home, but thinks that Land may not have known it was them.
"Hey somebody breaking in I'm sleep I don't know who coming in my house or anything like that. I'm just trying to protect myself. He might not hear it cause you know, as an elderly person you might didn't hear the part 'police police', but it was good to hear that they did say that," said Greer.
Christine Greer told 12News that she was upset when she watched the video.
"That was actually too much gun fire in order just to come and arrest someone or even just check out a home," said Christine.
As the investigation continues, Mayor Land asks the community to pray healing for the town as well as his family.
"They're gonna need all of us, the family and the City of Jasper, to come together to help the Land family and the City of Jasper family to get through this," said Mayor Land.