'Beloved Mother, Friend, Daughter' Sonya Massey Shot Dead by Officer After She Phoned 911 for Help: 'Justice at Stake,' Warns Pres. Biden

Moments after a police video was released that shows an Illinois police officer fatally shooting Sonya Massey after she called 911 about a possible home intruder, President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

In the first public statement since dropping his bid for re-election, Biden said the shooting “reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.”

The shooting of 36-year-old Massey woman occurred after a dispute over a pot of boiling water. Video appears to show she was shot by Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, according to reports.

Biden, who is at his home in Delaware recovering from Covid, said Massey, “ a beloved mother, friend, daughter and young Black woman … should be alive today.”

He added, “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 family deserves justice.”

Biden, pushed for Congress to pass the George Floyd Act, stating, “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.”

The act, known as HR-1280, tackles multiple issues in policing practices, including the use of excessive force and racial bias. It also increases the accountability for law enforcement misconduct. While the bill passed in the House in 2021, it stalled in the Senate.

Police body cam was released on July 22, which showed a rapidly escalating situation.

In the video, Massey can be seen retrieving a pot of water from the stove after Grayson told her he didn’t want the house to catch on fire, The Guardian reported.

As Massey was handling the pot, the officers visibly distance themselves from her, and she asks why.

Laughing, Grayson responds: “Away from your hot steaming water."

Massey then says, “Away from the hot steaming water? Oh, I’ll rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Grayson follows up with the warning, “You better f****** not. I swear to God, I’ll f****** shoot you right in your f****** face.”

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Massey is heard responding, “I’m sorry” as Grayson continued to move towards her. “I’m sorry,” she repeats as Grayson, who has his gun drawn, fires three shots, killing her instantly.

After the shooting, video shows, another deputy says he is going to get his medical kit. Grayson responds, “No, a head shot, dude, she’s done.”

Later in the video, according to reports, Grayson is heard calling Massey “f****** crazy.”

Benjamin Crump, who is representing Massey’s family, said the video would “shock the conscience of America like the pictures of Emmett Till after he was lynched.”

Grayson has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, officials said. He was booked into jail and was being held without bond.