Biden issues statement on police shooting of Sonya Massey – NBC Chicago

Minutes after body camera footage was released Monday showing the fatal shooting of a woman who called 911 for help in Illinois, President Joe Biden released a statement condemning the deputy’s actions and saying Sonya Massey “should have been alive today.”

“Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today,” Biden said in a statement. “Sonya called police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans, no matter who we are or where we live, should be able to do so without fear for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that Black Americans too often fear for their safety in ways that many of us do not.”

Springfield officials released video footage showing police entering Massey’s home after she called 911 for help with a possible intruder. A violent scene ensued when a sheriff’s deputy shot her in the face over a pot of water, then refused to provide medical attention for minutes that followed.

The shooting led to first-degree murder charges against former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson.

Ben Crump, the noted civil rights attorney representing Massey’s family, told those gathered at her funeral in Springfield that the video would reveal a crime as shocking as the 1955 lynching of Mississippi teenager Emmitt Till, the Chicago police shooting of Laquan McDonald and the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.

The Sangamon County District Attorney’s Office released multiple edited video clips totaling about 35 minutes on Monday as questions about the incident continued to mount.

Bodycam footage from the July 6 incident showed sheriff’s deputies going to Massey’s home and searching nearby yards for several minutes, eventually locating Massey at her front door.

The two officers who responded to the call explain that they searched the area and found no one. Massey responds, “Please God, please God, I’m trying to get help, everybody.”

The officers then ask – several times – what Massey needs help with and the Springfield woman replies that she heard someone outside. The officers then ask her name and follow her into the house.

As Grayson talks to Massey, his partner begins searching various rooms in the home, the footage shows. The officers then ask for her ID so they can “get out of her way.”

After getting permission from Grayson, Massey walks over to the stove, grabs a pot of boiling water that’s been sitting on it, and asks the officers, “Where are you guys going?” as they back away.

“…Away from your hot, steaming water,” one officer said.

Then you hear Massey say, “I will rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Grayson then pulled out his 9mm pistol and threatened to shoot Massey, the footage shows.

We hear Massey apologize as she ducks behind the counter, before Grayson starts shooting.

Grayson, who is white, did not activate his body camera until after he fired the shots. The released footage was captured by his partner’s body camera.

According to the footage, Grayson advised his partner not to give Massey medical attention due to the severity of her injuries.

“Not with a headshot…” he says on the bodycam video. “She’s done. You can go get (a first aid kit), but this is a headshot.”

Grayson tells his partner he “wouldn’t throw boiling water in his face.”

The other deputy provided emergency aid and remained with Massey until medical personnel arrived.

“She’s still panting a little bit,” he can be heard saying as he holds a cloth to her head. Grayson seems to be saying in the background that he’s “not going to waste” his first aid kit.

Grayson was fired last week. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and official misconduct.

If convicted, he faces 45 years to life in prison for murder, six to 30 years for assault and two to five years for misdemeanor assault. His attorney, Daniel Fultz, declined to comment Monday.

Massey’s death sparked protests demanding justice in the case. Massey’s father, James Wilburn, echoed that call at her funeral, saying he was encouraged by the speed with which the Illinois State Police, who investigated the incident, and Milhiser acted.

“In 10 days, they convened a grand jury. They completed their investigation. They arrested him, they got him fired,” Wilburn said. “That’s unheard of.”

Biden expressed that sentiment in his statement on Monday.

“Sonya’s family deserves justice. I grieve for her children and her entire family as they deal with this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I grieve with the rest of the country, and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time,” the statement said. “I commend the swift actions taken by the Springfield District Attorney’s Office. As we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let our prayers bring comfort to those grieving.”