Outrage and cries have been reignited with the release of body camera footage from the Illinois sheriff’s deputy’s shooting of Sonya Massey.
Following the release of police body camera footage on Monday, President Joe Biden, celebrities, and a few activists have brought national attention to the death of the 36-year-old Black mother in Illinois at the hands of a White sheriff’s officer.
On July 6, Massey was shot by a sheriff’s officer who was standing several feet away from her in the living room while she was carrying a pot of hot water in her kitchen.
Her murder occurred one week before Sandra Bland’s ninth death anniversary which intensified the #SayHerName movement’s efforts to increase public awareness of Black women who are victims of police brutality.
It all happened when Sonya called 911 in the early morning hours of July 6 because she was concerned about a potential intruder outside her home.
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The police body camera video shows Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy knocking on her door and yelling at her to come to the door.
“Are you coming to the door or not?” One of the deputies screams at her. “Hurry up.”
After Sonya attempts to explain her concerns, the deputies tell her that they have not seen anyone and question Sonya about a vehicle in her driveway.
The body camera footage shows one of the deputies entering Sonya’s room minutes later and asking for her ID. The deputies ask Sonya to check on a pot of water boiling on the stove.
They appear to move away, and she asks, “Where are you going?”
Her tone is calm, and one of the deputies laughs when he replies, “Away from your hot steaming water.”
When Sonya says, “I reproach you in the name of Jesus,” tensions escalate.
“You better fucking not, I swear to God. I’ll fucking shoot you right in your fucking face,” one of the deputies yells. Both deputies then draw their guns and demand that Sonya drop the pot.
She says, “OK, I’m sorry,” as she tries to duck out of the way. Grayson then shoots and kills her.
Following his dismissal, Grayson was accused of three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He however pleaded not guilty.
A statement released by President Biden on Monday stated: “Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss.”
