Celebrities are using their platforms to speak out against the police killing of a Black woman named Sonya Massey from Illinois that took place earlier this month. The Illinois State Police released 36 minutes of video earlier this week that includes body-camera footage from each of the two Sangamon County sheriff’s deputies who responded to Sonya's house early on July 6.
The 36-year-old called 911 to report a possible intruder at her home in Springfield. The body camera footage captured the moment Deputy Sean Grayson , who is facing a murder charge in connection to the killing, shot and killed the woman. Two deputies were with Sonya inside her home while she was in the kitchen and at one point she went to the stove to turn off a pot of boiling water. She then picks up the pot and the other deputy steps back, “away from your hot steaming water,” he says. “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Sonya says, to which he says "Huh?" And she repeated: “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."
“You better f**king not or I swear to God I’ll f**king shoot you in the f**king face,” Sean said, drawing his firearm and pointing it at her. “I’m sorry,” she said while lifting the pot. “Drop the f--king pot!” both deputies yelled, and three shots were heard, and Sonya was shot. The graphic video began circulating on social media and has caught the attention of millions, including celebrities and politicians like Cardi B, Solange Knowles, Vice President Kamala Harris , and more.
READ MORE: Deputy charged with Sonya Massey's murder after shooting Black woman in face had 6 jobs in 4 years
READ MORE: Sonya Massey shooting: Bodycam footage reveals moment police shot dead Illinois Black woman in her home
Kamala Harris
"Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many — we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name. President Biden and I call on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that I coauthored in the Senate. We must come together to achieve meaningful reforms that advance the safety of all communities,” the newly appointed Democratic presidential candidate wrote in a statement.
Solange Knowles
"First words Sonya Massey said at her front door were 'don’t hurt me.' She was told, 'Why would we hurt you, you called us.' When have those words meant anything when you [are] black and woman in this country, when do those words protect you from not being murdered in your kitchen, in your bedroom, with your babies, or on your lawn," Solange wrote on X. "What is 'reassurance' in this place? Rest in power Sonya Massey, and an abundance of love and power to Sonya’s family on this journey."
Cardi B
Cardi B took to X Spaces to address the tragic situation. “That video of Sonia Massey is so disturbing. It’s so disturbing from beginning to end,” Cardi said, pointing out the deputy's history of misconduct as an officer. “When you give somebody, especially a cop, so many chances like that to get their job back, that’s why when he shot her, he just knew that nobody was gonna tell him nothing,” she added. “I swear to God, when the trial starts I don’t wanna hear an apology from him. I don’t wanna hear, like, ‘Ever since I killed Sonya, I have had nightmares, I haven’t been able to sleep at night.’ I don’t wanna hear none of that sh-t when that trial comes, ’cause motherf--ker, we heard what you called her. You called her a b-tch, you left her there to die, and you said it yourself.”
Cardi concluded, “That’s why when the cops mistreat a family member, when a cop mistreats your friend, when a cop takes somebody’s life away, don’t ever think that you’re exaggerating. Fight to the end, fight for the justice, because they really think that they’re gonna get away with it.”
President Joe Biden
President Joe Biden also released a statement about Sonya's shooting. “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,” he wrote. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Porsha Williams
Porsha Williams shared a message on Instagram after watching the footage: “Say Her Name #SonyaMassey I literally stopped breathing watching that body cam . Prayers and my condolences to her family once again. God save us!”
Nick Young
"So the police shot and killed an 36 yr old black lady holding a pot bcuz she said I rebuke you in Jesus name..and we out here playing for USA,” former NBA player Nick Young send out a tweet, seemingly referring to athletes competing at the Olympics this year.
DVSN
“That Sonya Massey video really hurt to watch… that man claiming she ‘CAME at him with boiling water’ just made me think what if there was no body cam?… and how many times they’ve gotten away with these stories when it comes to us… smh. Hurts man,” R&B duo DVSN shared on X.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson shared a post from Essence magazine quoting Sonya's "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." The actress shared the post on Instagram along with broken heart and white dove emojis.
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