NAACP Mourns the Loss of Sonya Massey, Killed by Illinois Deputy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - On July 6, Sonya Massey, a 36 year-old mother and Illinois resident, called 911 to report a possible home invasion. When police arrived, Sonya remained calm, and followed their instructions. Despite her proper handling of the situation, Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed Ms. Massey. Body cam footage released earlier this week shows that, after firing a shot that struck Sonya in the head, the deputy can be heard calling her an expletive slur.

NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement, mourning Sonya's loss and calling for justice in the name of reform:

"The NAACP is saddened to mourn yet another Black life taken too soon at the hands of police violence. Make no mistake - while Deputy Grayson is responsible for Sonya's death, lawmakers are responsible for empowering him to commit this heinous crime. It is our hope that the jurors in this case follow the facts and take the necessary steps to hold this officer accountable. But that is not enough.

We demand that Congress takes action to bring the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to the floor for a vote. How many more Black lives must be lost before you fulfill your duty to the American people? Those who don't value our lives don't deserve our votes."

According to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Deputy Grayson Grayson had worked at six different law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that has long-been supported by the NAACP, and was reintroduced by the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee earlier this year, includes the creation of a "nationwide police misconduct registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave one agency, from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability."

To learn more about NAACP's work to end police violence, visit our website.

ABOUT NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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