Current:Home > Stocks'Horrifying': Officials, lawmakers, Biden react to deputy shooting Sonya Massey -WealthMindset Learning
'Horrifying': Officials, lawmakers, Biden react to deputy shooting Sonya Massey
View
Date:2025-04-15 22:05:29
Local officials, Illinois lawmakers and President Joe Biden have called the shooting of Sonya Massey "unthinkable, senseless" and "shocking, horrifying and heartbreaking" after video of the Black woman's deadly encounter with a white deputy was publicly released Monday afternoon.
The 36-minute bodycam footage shows the rapid escalation that led Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean P. Grayson to shoot Massey, 36, inside her home in Springfield, Illinois.
Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey's house on July 6 after she called 911 to report a possible intruder. In the body camera video, Grayson can be heard yelling at Massey over moving a pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink. He then threatens to shoot her in the face and screams at her to drop the pot. The video shows Massey ducking before Grayson fires at her three times, including a fatal shot to the head.
Grayson, 30, of Riverton, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and official misconduct. He remains in custody without bail.
The graphic video was released Monday on Illinois State Police's YouTube channel and has sparked national outrage. Local, state and federal officials have commented on the deadly encounter, which has sparked a number of protests, including one that drew about 200 people to the Springfield NAACP building Wednesday afternoon.
Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden "mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time."
"Sonya’s family deserves justice," Biden added. "I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss."
Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., said she was "shocked, horrified and heartbroken" by the footage and said the incident was "an act of senseless and unjustifiable violence − and it is an affront to our humanity."
Other Illinois lawmakers weighed in. State Sen. Doris Turner said that "nothing could prepare our community to see such a blatant disregard for human life" and urged people to come together "to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed."
State Sen. Steve McClure said that he was "shocked and horrified" by the footage and that even during his years as a prosecutor "I never saw anything like this."
"My heart goes out to Sonya and her family, who will remain in my thoughts and prayers," he said. "The Deputy who committed this murder is exactly where he belongs, in jail.“
Illinois State Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a statement in response to the body camera footage, calling it "horrific."
"I offer my deepest sympathy to Sonya Massey’s family as they relive a moment no family should experience," Raoul said. "As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this matter works its way through the criminal justice system."
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said that "there is no excuse for this violent act" and thanked the state police and Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office "for swiftly investigating this event and taking the necessary actions to seek justice for Sonya."
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, "the killing of Sonya Massey is inexcusable, disgraceful and an abhorrent disregard of basic humanity."
"Sonya's murder is a heartbreaking injustice to 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."
At Massey's funeral on Friday, days before the body camera footage was released, prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump said the video would "shock the conscience of America like the pictures of Emmett Till after he was lynched." The 1955 lynching of the 14-year-old in Mississippi helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement.
Crump added that like the George Floyd video was a catalyst for the Black community in the 2020 presidential election, the Massey video is going to be "similarly impactful" on the 2024 election.
"It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional," Crump said. "This video is tragic in every sense."
Contributing: Thao Nguyen
veryGood! (6)
Related
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Another inmate found dead at troubled Wisconsin prison
- Busta Rhymes cancels all 2024 Blockbusta tour dates a week before kickoff
- University of Arizona president to get a 10% pay cut after school’s $177M budget shortfall
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Ammo supplier at Rust shooting trial says he provided dummy rounds to movie, but handled live rounds for TV show
- Is it time to give Oscars to dogs? Why Hollywood's cute canines are ready for their moment
- Church authorities in Greece slap religious ban on local politicians who backed same-sex marriage
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- When do new 'Halo' episodes come out? Cast, release dates, Season 2 episode schedule
Ranking
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Latest Payton NFL award winner's charity continues recent pattern of mismanagement
- 2 women killed, man injured in shooting at Vegas convenience store; suspect flees on bicycle
- V-J Day ‘Kiss’ photo stays on display as VA head reverses department memo that would’ve banned it
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Police search for a suspect after a man is shot by an arrow in Los Angeles
- Jason Kelce's off-the-field impact, 'unbelievable legacy' detailed by Eagles trainer
- EAGLEEYE COIN: Unlocking the Future of Finance.PayPal's PYUSD meets DeFi
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Why Dakota Johnson Says She'll Never Do Anything” Like Madame Web Again
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema won't run for reelection in Arizona, opening pivotal Senate seat
Bitcoin hit a new record high Tuesday. Why is cryptocurrency going up? We explain.
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
'Me hate shrinkflation!': Cookie Monster complains about US economy, White House responds
The trip to Margaritaville can soon be made on the Jimmy Buffett Highway
Former baseball star Garvey faces Democratic Rep. Schiff, and long odds, for California Senate seat