Warning: This article contains graphic images and video which some readers may find distressing.
President Joe Biden has addressed the death of Sonya Massey after the 36-year-old woman was fatally shot three times by police earlier this month.
In the early hours of July 6, Sonya called police because she was worried that someone had been attempting to break into her home in Springfield, Illinois.
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And yesterday (July 22), harrowing bodycam footage was released which showed the moment that Sonya was killed.
In the footage posted to YouTube by Illinois State Police, the officers, one of which was Deputy Sean Grayson of the Sangamon County Sheriff's office, approach Sonya's house and knock on her door, letting her know that they are from the sheriff's office that she phoned.
Sonya was a paranoid schizophrenic, according to her daughter, and when police arrived, she asked them to 'please not hurt' her.
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The officers can be heard saying: "We're not going to hurt you, you called us."
After searching her backyard, police found nothing of concern and then checked a car in Sonya's driveway, which she said she didn't recognize.
The officers then entered Sonya's home. She headed into the kitchen to handle a pot on the stove and noticed them moving away from the 'hot steaming water'.
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When one officer mentioned not wanting to be hurt by the hot water, Sonya says: "Oh I'll rebuke you in the name of Jesus."
Grayson then says: "You better not, I swear to God, or I'll f**king shoot you right in your f**king face."
Sonya quickly ducks down and says 'sorry' as the officers raise their guns at her and shout at her to 'drop the pot'.
Three shots then rang out before the officers called 'a headshot wound to the female'.
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Grayson was later arrested and charged with three counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and one count of Official Misconduct.
He's being detained until his trial.
Following the tragic ordeal, President Biden has since addressed the situation.
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"Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today," he said in a statement as per NBC Chicago.
"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."
Biden continued to say: "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."
He said that Sonya's family 'deserves justice' and he was 'heartbroken' for them as they 'face this unthinkable and senseless loss'.
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"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," Biden continued.
"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."
According to Illinois State Police, The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office notified them about the incident at 1:43am and had 'requested assistance to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting'.
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The report adds that on July 17, the sheriff's office 'presented evidence from the ISP's independent investigation, which included the following BWC footage of the shooting of Sonya Massey, to the Grand Jury of Sangamon County, Illinois', leading to the Grand Jury' returning a True Bill of Indictment' to issue Grayson's charges.
UNILAD has previously contacted Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office and The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office for comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Niamh Shackleton