Bodycam video of the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey was released by Illinois State Police Monday afternoon, showing a chaotic scene after a sheriff’s deputy shot Massey in the face during a tense moment over a pot of water in her home.
Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He is being held in the Sangamon County Jail while he awaits trial. […]
Massey’s oldest son, Malachi, said no one from law enforcement ever told the family who actually shot Massey. He didn’t learn until he saw it on the news the next day. […]
The family and [civil rights attorney Ben Crump] met with Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday, and Crump said the governor assured him “This is going to be a fair and transparent investigation and process at every level.”
Crump said the family wants a full investigation not just into the shooting itself, but the aftermath, including what the family was told.
The family met in private Tuesday with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton at the Union Baptist Church in Springfield. Crump said it was a good meeting and the governor was receptive to legislation to improve policing.
Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans – regardless of who we are or where we live – should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.
Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.
I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.
* Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser…
On behalf of Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is posting the body worn camera (BWC) video from the officer-involved shooting of Ms. Sonya Massey on July 6, 2024. The release of this video is occurring after consultation with the family of Sonya Massey.
“My prayers are with the family of Sonya Massey, and I commend the Illinois State Police for conducting an expedited investigation into her tragic death,” said State’s Attorney Milhiser. “The State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice through the prosecution of this case.”
On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. Former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy made contact with the caller, Sonya Massey, at her residence. During the interaction inside the home of Ms. Massey, former Deputy Grayson discharged his firearm striking Ms. Massey and killing her. The Illinois State Police were contacted to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. The investigation was conducted in an expedited timeframe and was first evaluated under Illinois law for the use of deadly force. After a review of the ISP investigation, the State’s Attorney determined the evidence did not support a finding that former Deputy Sean Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force, and the case was presented to a Sangamon County Grand Jury. On July 17, 2024, the Grand Jury returned a five-count indictment including three counts of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Official Misconduct. On July 17, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued, and Grayson was taken into custody. He remains in custody.
In accordance with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office’s and ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, and pursuant to the Illinois FOIA, the BWC footage of the shooting is being made available to the public and can be found by clicking Google Drive link or Rumble link.
— IllinoisStatePolice (@ILStatePolice) July 23, 2024
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement regarding the release of officer-worn body camera footage showing the fatal July 6 shooting of Sonya Massey by a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy.
“The body camera footage is horrific, and I offer my deepest sympathy to Sonya Massey’s family as they relive a moment no family should experience. As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this matter works its way through the criminal justice system.
“In Illinois we have made sure that the law mandates independent investigations after officer involved shootings. In this matter it appears that the investigation by the Illinois State Police and the subsequent referral to the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s office have complied with the letter and spirit of the law by providing the appropriate transparency and moving toward accountability.”
Sonya Massey should be alive today. Her tragic death underscores the ongoing fear and injustice faced by Black Americans. Our deepest condolences go out to Sonya’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/6UY1P98dG5
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) July 22, 2024
* Rep. Kam Buckner…
State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, issued this statement following the release of body camera footage showing the murder of Sonya Massey by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson:
“The tragic and senseless death of Sonya Massey at the hands of Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6, 2024, is a devastating blow to her family, friends and the entire Springfield community. Ms. Massey, a 36-year-old mother, called 911 in fear that her home was being broken into—a call that should have brought her protection, not death.
“The body camera footage released to the public shows multiple infractions of the SAFE-T Act that the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus worked tirelessly to pass with advocates and law enforcement alike. The officer did not have his body-worn camera on, and what happened to Ms. Massey was tantamount to an execution at the hands of law enforcement. Sonya should be here today. The officer snatched a precious life from this earth and this community; they took a doting mother from her children, Summer and Malachi. The troubling history of this officer is the reason why we addressed officer decertification in the SAFE-T Act. Records show he has worked with six law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020.
“The return of a five-count indictment on Deputy Grayson by a Sangamon County grand jury on July 17 is a step toward accountability, but it is far from enough. We demand total accountability from top to bottom for this heinous miscarriage of justice. Those sworn to protect and serve must be held to the highest standards of conduct and accountability. It is a bastardization of our public safety and criminal justice systems when adhering to “if you see something, say something” leads to death at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us.
“We cannot avoid uncomfortable conversations about racial issues in policing. It is imperative that we commit to creating an atmosphere where such tragedies do not continue to happen. We must confront and address the systemic biases and injustices within our law enforcement agencies to ensure equality and justice for all. The community has every right to be angry. This anger is justified, and it is a natural response to such a heinous act. I stand with you in this righteous anger.
“However, we must channel our anger into constructive action. Let us call for complete accountability and systemic change through peaceful means. Our voices must be loud, clear, and united in demanding justice for Sonya Massey and ensuring that no other family has to endure such a tragedy. We owe it to Sonya Massey, her family, and the entire Springfield community to fight for a system where calling 911 does not result in death. My heart goes out to the Massey family during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with you in your grief and in your demand for justice. Let us honor Sonya Massey’s memory by working tirelessly to create a safer and more just community for all.”
* Sen. Doris Turner…
State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to the body camera footage being released in the shooting of Sonya Massey:
“Nothing could prepare our community to see such a blatant disregard for human life. Sonya deserved so much more.
“We need to come together to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed.
“I stand with the Massey family in their calls for justice and peace.”
My heart breaks for Ms. Massey, her friends and family, and the entire Springfield community. In this time of tragedy and outrage, I offer my full support to my colleagues in their call for answers, accountability and justice. https://t.co/t3gKyAORcj
— Senate President Don Harmon (@DonHarmonIL) July 23, 2024
* Senate Republican Leader John Curran…
“I can only imagine how devastating it must be for the family of Sonya Massey to not only deal with her loss, but also to go through the pain of the tragic circumstances of her killing being shared publicly. I commend them for their unwavering courage as they seek justice. I’m also appreciative of the State’s Attorney for bringing charges swiftly and for all members of the community supporting her loved ones during this time of grief.”
* Illinois Legislative Black Caucus…
State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the body camera footage which led to the indictment of the ex-deputy who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home:
“This video is sickening. It is despicable and disgusting to see such brutal violence towards an innocent Black woman. How did this person ever become a law enforcement officer?”
“This is why we fought for increased transparency.”
“This is why we fought for body camera requirements.”
“This is why we fought to end cash bail to keep dangerous people detained.”
“But arresting and detaining the perpetrator isn’t the end. Justice demands answers and accountability. We need to know how and why someone capable of such a horrible act was given a badge and a gun in the first place.”
“The repeated murders of unarmed Black people across the country is sickening and emotionally traumatizing. Sonya Massey is dead because she called 911 for help. Our communities deserve better. We stand with the Springfield community and the Massey family.”
“May Sonya Massey’s memory be a blessing and bring comfort to those who knew her.”
* Sen. Elgie Sims…
State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – the lead sponsor of some of the state’s most comprehensive criminal justice reforms – released the following statement upon reviewing the body camera footage of the shooting of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy:
“I am angry, frustrated, disgusted and disheartened that another innocent Black life was taken unjustly. As I watched this very painful exchange my heart ached for Ms. Massey’s family, friends, and the entire Springfield community, particularly its Black residents who simply want to be treated fairly and equitably. No person should ever have to fear that calling for help will end in death.
“We have taken steps to increase transparency, require body cameras to be worn and ensure dangerous individuals remain detained – all steps which have swiftly led us toward the first steps of justice for Sonya Massey. Nothing we do will bring Ms. Massey back, but we must take steps to find justice for her and her family. We must hold the former officer accountable as we push for answers to find out why he was hired in the first place, so it doesn’t happen again.
“I stand with Sonya Massey’s family, friends and the entire Springfield community as they mourn this tremendous loss and call for justice.”
* Sen. Adriane Johnson…
In response to the tragic murder of Sonya Massey, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove) issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the shooting captured on the body camera footage showing the tragic murder of Sonya Massey. It is extremely unsettling to consider the number of unarmed Black people who have been murdered by those sworn to protect us.
“This clear act of dominant aggression shown by the officer, against Sonya Massey, was gut wrenching. I cannot understand how Sonya’s 911 call, asking for help, turned into such a tragic act.
“The fight for increased transparency, body camera requirements, and the end of cash bail; key reforms in the criminal justice system that are vital for the protection of our communities.
“I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and community of Sonya Massey during this difficult time. May Sonya Massey rest in peace.”
* Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias…
The killing of Sonya Massey is inexcusable, disgraceful and an abhorrent disregard of basic humanity. Sonya’s murder is a heartbreaking injustice against her, her loved ones and all who see themselves represented in her story. She was a mother, daughter and a human being whose memory will not be forgotten.
As a society, we must come together to demand accountability and justice, and to ensure that tragic and senseless acts of violence at the hands of those who are charged with serving and protecting no longer take place.
* US Rep. Nikki Budzinski…
Tonight, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) spoke from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to call for justice following the death of Sonya Massey at the hands of a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department Deputy.
“On July 6th, Sonya Massey dialed 911 seeking safety. But instead of receiving help, she was met with fatal gunfire from an officer of the law.
“Like everyone who has seen the body camera footage of her final moments, I am shocked, horrified and heartbroken. This was an appalling act of senseless violence that strikes at the core of our humanity.
“I stand here today, echoing the voices of my constituents in Springfield and Americans nationwide, demanding justice and accountability. We must confront and end the use of excessive force against unarmed people of color in this country.
“My heart goes out to Sonya’s children, her family, and all who loved her. They deserve answers, and they deserve to see an end to this systemic issue.
“Sonya Massey should be alive today. We owe it to her memory to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
* US Senator Tammy Duckworth…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement today in response to the release of body cam footage of Springfield resident Sonya Massey’s death at the hands of a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department Deputy:
“The needless violence depicted in the body cam footage released today is painful and horrifying. Sonya Massey feared for her safety and trusted law enforcement to protect her—and that trust never should have cost Sonya her life.
“This sort of tragedy at the hands of law enforcement is all too common for Black Americans, and it is completely unacceptable and unjustifiable. While it will not bring Sonya back, state authorities bringing appropriate charges in this case was the right thing to do. My thoughts are with Sonya’s family, friends and the Springfield community during this difficult time.”
* ACLU of Illinois…
Earlier this morning, video footage of the shooting death of Sonya Massey in her home on July 6th by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy was released to the public. The Deputy has been charged with murder and is being detained pending trial. In response to the release of the footage, the ACLU of Illinois and the ACLU of Illinois Springfield Chapter issued the following statement:
The video made public is shocking, gut-wrenching and underscores the senselessness of Sonya Massey’s death. We offer the family our deepest condolences to the Massey family and we stand with all those engaged in peaceful protest demanding justice for Ms. Massey.
We also applaud officials for moving quickly to investigate and bring charges against the Deputy responsible for this shooting. If the details contained in the complaint last week are accurate, this case needs to be prosecuted.
This tragedy, however, demands more than words; it demands deep reflection and change. Sonya’s death – and too many similar, sad events – are the result of the bias that permeates much of our society – bias that too often associates danger with someone being Black or Brown. We all must examine our own hearts and commit to rooting out such preconceptions.
This self-examination is essential for law enforcement in the Springfield area and across Illinois. It is imperative that law enforcement leaders seek to address the deep-seated bias experienced by too many people of color at the hands of police. Put simply, discrimination by police must end before we see further tragedies like Ms. Massey’s killing.
* Bloomington/Normal Branch of the NAACP…
The Bloomington-Normal Branch of the NAACP mourns the death of Ms. Sonya Massey of Springfield, Illinois. On Monday, July 22, 2024, the horrific video of Massey’s killing was released to the public. On July 6, 2024, Massey called law enforcement for assistance, but instead, she was murdered in her own home. President Linda Foster said, “The gruesome killing of Ms. Massey is a sad reminder of biases and racism in our
communities. Grayson’s actions do not align with the adopted Ten Shared Principles, specifically that ‘human life should be taken as a last resort.’” The Ten Shared Principles specify how law enforcement should interact
with citizens to minimize excessive force. The Ten Shared Principles are:
1. We value the life of every person and consider life to be the highest value.
2. All persons should be treated with dignity and respect. This is another foundational value.
3. We reject discrimination toward any person that is based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, nationality, immigrant status, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or familial status,
4. We endorse the six pillars in the report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The first pillar is to build and rebuild trust through procedural justice, transparency, accountability, and honest recognition of past and present obstacles.
5. We endorse the four pillars of procedural justice, which are fairness, voice (i.e., an opportunity for citizens and police to believe they are heard), transparency, and impartiality.
6. We endorse the values inherent in community policing, which includes community partnerships involving law enforcement, engagement of police officers with residents outside of interaction specific to enforcement of laws, and problem-solving that is collaborative, not one-sided.
7. We believe that developing strong ongoing relationships between law enforcement and communities of color at the leadership level and street level will be the keys to diminishing and eliminating racial tension.
8. We believe that law enforcement and community leaders have a mutual responsibility to encourage all citizens to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the law to assist them in their interactions with law enforcement officers.
9. We support diversity in police departments and in the law enforcement profession. Law enforcement and communities have a mutual responsibility and should work together to make a concerted effort to recruit diverse police departments.
10. We believe de-escalation training should be required to ensure the safety of community members and officers. We endorse using de-escalation tactics to reduce the potential for confrontations that endanger law enforcement officers and community members; and the principle that human life should be taken on as a last resort.
NAACP Vice-President Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson said, “The senseless killing of another African American is indicative of impaired relationships between law enforcement and citizens. The sanctity of all lives must be valued and respected.” The Bloomington-Normal Adult Branch has offered their assistance to the grieving family and to the Springfield Adult Branch.
* NAACP Illinois State Conference Youth and College Division…
Today our communities and social media feeds will once again be flooded with the brutal depiction of yet another innocent Black person being murdered at the hands of the police. Since the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012 the feeling of being desensitized has increased significantly when it comes to the murders of Black and Brown people. In this moment it is pertinent to remember we can not forget or ignore, however, we highly recommend exercising discretion before reviewing the video. We must face the issue head on in order to end the cycle of brutalization, while also protecting our mental health to continue serving our communities.
Sonya Massey is not just a name or a stand alone incident, she joins hundreds if not thousands of other names of lives cut short. We will continue to #SAYHERNAME and advocate for accountability when it comes to the police force. Black and Brown people deserve to live their lives without the fear of a police interaction leading to their deaths. The police are here to protect and serve, however, Massey called law enforcement for assistance, and instead she was killed in her own home.
The NAACP Illinois State Conference Youth and College Division offer our condolences and support to the Massey family during this troubling time. However, we know that our condolences come nowhere near to getting justice for the loss of their family member. We recognize that an event such as this will impact local communities and the ongoing relationships they have with law enforcement. It is essential that we come together as a community to support one another towards healing and positive change. We commend the Prosecutor and the Sheriffs Department for taking swift action in an attempt to bring justice to the Massey family and reassure the public that unnecessary force will not be tolerated. However, we know that the work does not stop there. We are cognizant that the justice system does not always work in the favor of Black and Brown people, however we are hopeful that this time will be different and set a precedent for a just system.
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…Adding… Illinois Sheriffs’ Association…
The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association would first like to offer our prayers and sympathies to the Massey Family and all those impacted by this tragic event. Sheriffs and all members of law enforcement have a duty to serve and protect all of our citizens. We work every call, every shift, every day to work to keep our communities safe and be responsible to the public that puts its trust in us. This video does not depict how we are taught and trained to handle encounters of this nature. There is no disputing this tragic event, but when anyone, including members of law enforcement, takes such egregious action they must be held accountable. We have already seen decisive action taken by our criminal justice system to bring charges against the deputy. We pledge to continued collaboration with our communities and achieving strategies that reflect those partnerships and bring safer communities for all neighborhoods.
I appreciate the Sangamon County State’s Attorney and the Illinois State Police moving quickly to rightfully hold this officer to account. While this will never take away the pain, Sonya Massey’s family deserves swift justice. pic.twitter.com/CtJYjBaeHh
— Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (@SpeakerWelchIL) July 22, 2024
