President Biden, Illinois lawmakers respond to body camera footage

Illinois lawmakers are calling body camera footage from Sonya Massey’s case “shocking, horrifying and heartbreaking” after the 36-minute video was released Monday afternoon.

The 36-minute body camera footage shows the rapid escalation that led to Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean P. Grayson shooting Sonya Massey in the head. The video shows Grayson, who has been charged with Massey’s murder, telling other officers, “That b**ch was crazy” and “I can’t take boiling water in my face” after firing three shots.

The latter remark was in reference to Massey, who was retrieving a pot of water from his stove. Grayson had told him to move, as he did not want to start a fire in the house.

The shocking video was posted on the Illinois State Police YouTube channel on Monday and has garnered international attention, with statements from members of Congress and representatives in Illinois and out of state.

More: Video shows deputy involved in fatal shooting of Sonya Massey saying: ‘I’m going to shoot you in the head’

President Joe Biden issues statement on body camera footage

President Joe Biden responded to the release of the images Monday, saying, “Sonya’s family deserves justice. My heart breaks 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.”

Biden praised the swift action of the Sangamon County District Attorney’s Office and asked for prayers to comfort the grieving family. The statement went on to call on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a foundational commitment to justice.

Illinois lawmakers respond to Sonya Massey body camera footage

Sen. Doris Turner, Democrat-Springfield:

State Sen. Doris Turner said Monday she supports the Massey family and calls for justice and peace.

“Nothing could have prepared our community to see such blatant disregard for human life. Sonya deserved so much better. We must come together for justice and do everything we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed. I stand with the Massey family in their calls for justice and peace.”

Sen. Steve McClure, Republican of Springfield:

“I watched the video this afternoon and am shocked and horrified by what happened. My heart goes out to Sonya and her family, who will remain in my thoughts and prayers. They deserve justice. I commend the Sangamon County District Attorney for quickly charging the deputy with murder. As a prosecutor, I watched hundreds of hours of interactions with police and never saw anything like this. The deputy who committed this murder is exactly where he belongs, in jail.”

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield:

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski also expressed her support for the family in a statement.

“On July 6, Sonya Massey called 911 out of fear for her safety. Instead of receiving help, she was shot and killed by a police officer who had sworn to serve and protect her.

“Like everyone who has seen the footage of Sonya Massey’s murder, I am shocked, horrified and heartbroken. This is a senseless and unjustifiable act of violence and an affront to our humanity.

“I join my constituents in Springfield and Americans across the country in demanding full accountability from our justice system. And while justice for Sonya Massey will allow our community to begin to heal, we must end the systemic use of excessive force against unarmed people of color.

“My thoughts are with Sonya’s children, her family and friends, and all members of our community who are still reeling from this tragedy. Sonya Massey should be alive today.”

Attorney General Kwame Raoul:

In Chicago on Monday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul offered his deepest condolences to the Massey family as they relive a moment no family should have to experience.

“As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this case works its way through the criminal justice system.

“In Illinois, we have ensured that the law requires independent investigations after officer-involved shootings. In this case, it appears that the investigation by the Illinois State Police and the subsequent referral to the Sangamon County District Attorney’s Office met the letter and spirit of the law by providing appropriate transparency and accountability.”

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

“The murder of Sonya Massey is inexcusable, shameful and a heinous disregard for basic humanity. Sonya’s murder is a heartbreaking injustice to her, her loved ones and all those who identify with her story. She was a mother, a daughter and a human being whose memory will not be forgotten.”

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher

Buscher released a video statement regarding the release of body camera footage related to Sonya Massey’s death, saying his heart is broken by the senseless act and the loss to the Springfield community.

“I want to make it clear that the actions of Sangamon County officers do not reflect the values and integrity of our Springfield Police Department,” Buscher said. “We also share your outrage and stand firmly with you. There is no excuse for this violent act. And we demand that Sonya be held accountable and that justice be served. As Mayor, I want to thank the Illinois State Police and the Sangamon County District Attorney’s Office for swiftly investigating this incident and taking the necessary steps to obtain justice for Sonya.”

“The shock, pain and grief felt by his family and friends upon hearing of his passing and going through the burial process is something that will never go away. As a community, we must always be there for them.”

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. You can reach her at [email protected] and on X (formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted