‘Sonya Massey’s death at the hands of a police officer reminds us…’: President Joe Biden on Black Americans’ fears

After Sean Grayson, a 30-year-old former deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department in Illinois, was charged with murder in the death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, the White House released a statement from President Joe Biden condemning the incident.

Massey was shot in the face on July 6 during a confrontation over a pot of water in her home after she called 911 to report an intruder in her house.

Grayson has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. New bodycam footage shows officers yelling at Massey to put down a pot of boiling water while pointing their guns at her.

Biden wrote in a statement Tuesday: “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, 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 face fear for their safety in ways that many of us do not.”

“Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am saddened by the loss of her children and her entire family as they deal with this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I join the nation in mourning, and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones and community at this devastating time,” the statement added.

“I commend the swift actions taken by the Springfield District Attorney’s Office. As we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort those in mourning. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake,” Biden wrote.