Death of Sonya Massey: Joe Biden breaks his silence after Illinois deputy kills black woman: “Unthinkable and senseless”

President Joe Biden has responded to the killing of an unarmed black woman by an Illinois state sheriff’s deputy in her home this month. Sonya Massey was shot and killed by Sean Grayson, who had visited her home with another deputy after she called 911 to report an intruder. The horrific incident was captured on body camera and recently released.

While officers and 36-year-old Massey initially engaged in a seemingly normal conversation, the incident took a more dire turn when Grayson ordered Massey to drop a pot of hot water and then fatally shot her in the face. Prosecutors have stated that Massey posed no threat to Grayson.

“Sonya’s family deserves justice”

Biden released a statement on Facebook saying he was “heartbroken” by the incident. “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 possible 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 fear for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often, Black Americans fear for their safety in ways many of us do not,” Biden wrote.

“Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they endure this unimaginable 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,” he continued.

The President added: “I commend the swift actions of the Springfield District Attorney’s Office. As we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort those who are grieving. Congress must now pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.”

Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and abuse of authority following the July 6 incident. If convicted of murder, he faces life in prison. According to the Washington Post, Grayson is currently being held in the Menard County Detention Center.