‘Sonya Massey should be alive today’: President Biden speaks out on death of Springfield woman killed by deputy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — President Joe Biden is speaking out Monday on the death of Sonya Massey after the release of body camera footage showing when Massey was shot and killed by a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy earlier this month.

The president said in the statement he is heartbroken and praised the State’s Attorney for his office’s swift act in prosecution.

“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.”

President Joe Biden

The full text of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act can be found here.

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