SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — President Biden has issued a statement moments after body camera footage was released showing an Illinois sheriff's deputy shooting and killing a Springfield woman on July 6.
Now-former Deputy Sean Grayson, 30, pulled his gun on Sonya Massey, 36 , in her Springfield, Illinois, home after deputies responded to her 911 call about a possible prowler.
READ MORE: Illinois deputy showed shooting, killing Springfield woman in newly released body camera footage
Biden's full statement is below:
"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 – 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.
"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. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake."
A peace walk started at 3 p.m. after the body camera footage was released. The walk began outside of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and participants marched to Comer Cox Park, where an open mic and food was made available until 8 p.m., organizers told 5 On Your Side.
