Sonya Massey's Tragic Murder by Police Enrages Community: Civil Rights Leader Demand Urgent Reform

Al Sharpton. Ben Crump lead powerful rally to push for George Floyd justice in policing act, end systemic racism

Activists and community members call our for justice, an end to systemic racism, after the killing of Sonya Massy by a police officerPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

In Chicago, civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump, are urging for substantial police reform following the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey by a white sheriff’s deputy in Sangamon County. They are advocating for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions.

Rallying for Change

On Tuesday, Rev. Al Sharpton and Ben Crump joined the family of Sonya Massey in West Garfield Park for a rally aimed at calling attention to her death and demanding legislative change. Massey, an unarmed Black woman, was shot in her kitchen near Springfield by a white sheriff’s deputy, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action.

At a news conference held at New Mount Pilgrim Church before the rally, Sharpton and Crump urged Congress to pass national police reform legislation in Massey’s name. They criticized lawmakers for their inaction following previous incidents involving the deaths of unarmed Black individuals at the hands of police.

Congressional Accountability

“It is the negligence of this government’s response to all of these killings that creates the climate that led to Sonya,” said Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network civil rights group. “Yes, we want to see the officer prosecuted, but we also want to see the laws change.”

Sharpton emphasized the need for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which aims to establish a national registry of police misconduct to prevent officers from avoiding accountability by transferring to different jurisdictions. The bill, co-written by Vice President Kamala Harris when she was a senator, has stalled since its introduction in 2021.

Sharpton and Crump argued that if the bill had been passed, Massey might still be alive. They highlighted the disciplinary issues of Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County deputy accused of shooting Massey. Grayson had a history of legal troubles and was employed by six different law enforcement agencies in four years.

The Need for Transparency

“A bad cop is a bad cop,” Sharpton said. “Why was he on the force?” He added that the public should have access to an officer’s disciplinary history to ensure transparency and accountability within law enforcement.

Crump and Sharpton called on lawmakers attending the Democratic convention in Chicago to prioritize police reform and include a platform plank in Massey’s name. They also urged the state to enact a law similar to the Floyd bill, naming it after Massey.

Surrounded by Massey’s family members, many of whom wore clothing bearing her image, Crump echoed Massey’s last words in his call for justice. “Until we get full justice for Sonya Massey, we rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Crump said.

Legal Proceedings and Family’s Grief

Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in Massey’s death. On July 6, Massey had called 911 to report a possible prowler. Body-camera footage shows Massey, inside her home, moving a pot of hot water from the stove. Grayson, fearing she would throw it at him, fired three times, hitting her once in the face. Despite having several nonlethal options, Grayson chose to draw his gun. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

An autopsy released by Sangamon County officials determined that Massey died from a gunshot wound just under her left eye. At the news conference, Massey’s cousin recounted the harrowing experience of cleaning up the crime scene, using multiple towels to soak up the blood left behind.

Massey’s son, Malachi Hill Massey, described the confusion and grief the family felt upon learning of his mother’s death. He said law enforcement initially did not disclose that an officer had shot Massey, leading the family to believe an intruder was responsible. It was only through media reports that they discovered the truth.

Community Support and Advocacy

Jimmie Crawford, the father of Massey’s daughter Summer, spoke about the impact of Massey’s death on their family. “The only things she talked about were her accomplishments, her kids, and God,” he said. “She should be here with us today.”

Malachi Hill Massey expressed his deep sense of loss, stating, “She was everything to me,” and thanked the public for their support. Crump and Sharpton’s decision to come to Chicago was influenced by the city’s history of police violence against the Black community, with incidents involving Bettie Jones, Quintonio LeGrier, and Laquan McDonald cited as recent examples.

Rallying for Reform

Following the news conference, hundreds of community members gathered for a rally to honor Massey’s memory. Faith leaders prayed for her family and for comprehensive police reform. The rally included emotional performances by the Leaders Network Justice Choir and Santita Jackson, a singer and daughter of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who attended the event.

“We have to talk about what happened to an innocent Black momma that should be alive tonight,” Sharpton, the rally’s keynote speaker, told the crowd. “We will stand with this family because that family could be anyone in this room.”

The Call for Legislative Action

The rally and news conference served as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative changes to address systemic racism within law enforcement. Sharpton and Crump’s demands for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and similar state-level legislation aim to prevent future tragedies like Massey’s death.