Photo: Getty Images
President Joe Biden has spoken out after Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 for help in Illinois, was shot to death by police, per NBC Chicago.
Biden's statement came after Springfield officials released body camera footage of the moments surrounding the July 6 shooting of Massey in her home. Former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson is facing first-degree murder charges in connection to the shooting.
"Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today," Biden said in a statement. "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."
Body camera footage showed Sangamon County Sheriff's deputies entering Massey's home after she called 911 about a potential intruder. Grayson spoke to Massey while his partner searched various rooms in the home.
At one point during the encounter, Massey got permission from Grayson to walk over to her stove. She grabbed a boiling pot of water sitting on top of it and asked the deputies "Where are you going?" as they backed away.
"...Away from your hot steaming water," one officer said, per body camera footage.
"I'll rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey said.
Video shows Grayson pulling out a gun and threatening to shoot Massey. Massey then apologized and ducked behind her kitchen counter before Grayson shot her in the face.
In the video, Grayson suggested that his partner shouldn't give Massey medical aid due to where she was shot.
"Not with a head shot..." he added. "She's done. You can go get [a medical kit], but that's a head shot."
Grayson added that he wasn't going to "take hot, boiling water to the f---ing face."
Grayson's partner assisted Massey until medical personnel arrived at the scene. Grayson could be heard saying that he's "not going to waste" his medical kit.
Grayson was fired earlier this month and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
Biden said in his statement: "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."
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