FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2024
Contact: media@colorofchange.org
COLOR OF CHANGE DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR SONYA MASSEY FOLLOWING RELEASE OF DISTURBING POLICE VIDEO
National – Today, the Illinois State Police Department released police body-worn camera footage depicting the tragic events at Sonya Massey’s home in Springfield, Illinois, on July 6, 2024. Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson’s body camera footage depicts him firing his weapon after entering Sonya’s home in response to a 911 call. He fired his weapon after she reached for a pot of boiling water. Color Of Change issued the following statement from Kyle Bibby, COC’s interim chief of campaigns and programs:
“Color Of Change mourns Sonya Massey and we send our heartfelt condolences to the Massey family. The video released today is gut wrenching and once again shows that Black people in this country cannot escape police violence, even in their own homes. It is also a stark reminder of the urgent need to address police brutality and misconduct. The actions of Sean Grayson are disgraceful and inhumane, and reflect a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of the community. His actions are an alarming reminder of how police so often disregard Black lives.
It is crucial that the authorities take swift and decisive action in holding those responsible for Sonya Massey’s death accountable, and work towards rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals in our communities. \
“Today, we weep for Sonya Massey and ask how much more suffering is necessary before we see real change?” As we enter election season, our community members should ensure their voices are heard so they can demand reforms that increase police accountability and prevent violence like that perpetrated against Sonya Massey from ever happening again.”
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Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by over 7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org.