Contact Members/Sign Up Reg Form

Sonya Massey Killed by Officer in Illinois; Biden, Harris Push for Policing Reform

Photo: AP

The tragic shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, by police in Illinois has ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice across the United States. The Illinois State Police released body camera footage showing the incident, which has prompted strong reactions from top officials including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

On Wednesday, President Biden expressed his profound sorrow over Massey's death, stating, "Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today." He emphasized that when Americans call for help, they should not fear for their lives. Biden urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, calling for comprehensive reform to prevent such tragedies. He praised the swift action taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office and urged continued prayers for the grieving family.

Vice President Harris also voiced her concerns, stating, "Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. Her tragic death in her own home highlights the urgent need for justice system reforms." She expressed solidarity with Massey’s family and criticized the justice system’s shortcomings, noting that the footage confirms the need for significant change to ensure fairness and safety for all.

The Video Footage:

The released body camera footage shows two officers arriving at Massey’s Springfield home on July 6 in response to her call about a possible intruder. As they enter her home, they engage in conversation while Massey looks for her identification. At one point, Deputy Sean Grayson reacts to a pot on the stove, saying, "We don't need a fire while we are here." Massey, who was attempting to turn off the stove, responded with a religious phrase. Grayson then threatened her, saying, “You better fking not or I swear to God I’ll fking shoot you in the f**king face," before pointing his gun at her. After a brief exchange, three shots were fired. Massey was later declared dead at the hospital.

The release of the video shocked Massey’s family, who were initially unaware that a police officer had been involved in the shooting. Her father, James Wilburn, expressed his disbelief, stating, “I was under the impression that a prowler had broken in and killed my baby.” He was devastated to learn from the internet that it was a police officer involved. Wilburn reflected on the impact of the tragedy, saying, “You’re used to having ‘the talk’ with boys, but now I guess we have to talk to our girls about … their interactions with the police.” He remembered his daughter fondly, recalling her affectionate messages, including the last voicemail he received from her: “Daddy, I love you.”

The Accused Officer:

Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson has been dismissed from the police force and faces multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Grayson has not yet entered a plea, and he does not have bond conditions, according to The New York Times. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney's Office has stated that Grayson’s use of deadly force was not justified.

July 24, 2024 5:40 p.m. 497

#trending #latest #SonyaMassey #PoliceShooting #JusticeForSonya #GeorgeFloydAct #IllinoisNews #BidenHarris #BlackLivesMatter #PoliceReform #SeanGrayson #LegalAction #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

Family Care Authority and UAE Climate Group Host Nature-Inspired Events

uae news / uae-national
Feb. 6, 2025 5:21 p.m. 363

This initiative supports the Abu Dhabi Wellbeing Strategy, improving quality of life and family wellbeing in our community...Read More.

12th UN-GGIM Arab States Committee Meeting Ends in Jeddah

global news / world news
Feb. 6, 2025 5:09 p.m. 362

The meeting reviewed the Arab Committee's 2024 annual report, monitored progress across working groups, and discussed international contributions to geospatial...Read More.

Family Care Authority and UAE Climate Group Host Nature-Inspired Events

This initiative supports the Abu Dhabi Wellbeing Strategy, improving quality of life and family wellbeing in our community

12th UN-GGIM Arab States Committee Meeting Ends in Jeddah

The meeting reviewed the Arab Committee's 2024 annual report, monitored progress across working groups, and discussed international contributions to geospatial

Priyanka Chopra Stuns in Pink Diamond Necklace at Brother’s Wedding

Priyanka Chopra dazzles in floral corset lehenga and rare pink diamond necklace at her brother Siddharth's wedding

The Chedi unveils debut Dubai launch with exclusive standalone residences

These homes offer villa-sized layouts with 3.2-meter high ceilings, private entrances, and large terraces with stunning panoramic views of the Dubai skyline

Kasco Developments launches its third residential project in Dubai

Located along Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Volna is an 11-floor building with 65 well-designed homes

Google unveils Thinking model with Gemini after OpenAI, DeepSeek

Google has launched the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model for app and desktop users

Google Stops Diversity Hirings After Trump's Sledgehammer on DEI Policies

Google stated it is reviewing Trump’s policy changes, which aim to limit DEI efforts in the government and among federal contractors

Ozzy Osbourne to reunite with Black Sabbath after 20 years apart

Black Sabbath's original lineup, featuring Ozzy Osbourne, will reunite for a one-off concert in Birmingham, England, on July 5, marking their first performance

UAE Top Bank FAB Surpasses Q4 Revenue Estimates with Strong Performance

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE's largest lender by assets, exceeded fourth-quarter profit forecasts on Thursday, fueled by a strong double-digit revenue gr

Oscars Frontrunner ‘Emilia Perez’ Faces Major Setback in Award Season

After a record number of Oscar nominations, ‘Emilia Perez’ faces scandal due to past social media posts by star Karla Sofia Gascon.

Get In Touch

3001E, 30 Floor, Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

+971 52 602 2429

info@dxbnewsnetwork.com

LAUNCH OF DNN
Follow Us

© DNN. All Rights Reserved.