Crime

DOJ Investigating Sonya Massey Shooting

NOV 18 2024·Updated NOV 19 2024

Story

Above: Demonstrators protest the killing of Sonya Massey in July 2024. Image credit: John Lamparski/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

The US Justice Department (DOJ) has opened an official investigation into the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, at the hands of Sangamon County, Ill., Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6, 2024.
The New York Times
ap
While Grayson has been criminally charged with murder, the DOJ's investigation is focused on the sheriff's department, including its hiring practices, racial diversity in the department, and the decision to employ Grayson despite his prior record.
CNN
Grayson had two DUIs (driving under the influence), including one that reportedly led to his dismissal from the military. He had worked for six police departments in the span of four years.
The State Journal
The Hill
The DOJ has requested access to all records related to the shooting and wants to know if the sheriff's office has or currently provides "any form of alternative response models" with respect to "behavioral health crises" or dealing with people who have such issues.
The State Journal
Police body camera footage shows Massey, who suffered from mental issues, going to remove a pot of water from the stove. She then told Grayson, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," to which Grayson said she "better not," threatened to shoot her in the face, and then fired at least two shots.
The New York Times
Grayson was fired from the department July 17, the same day he was charged with murder. The Sangamon Sheriff's Office has, along with government leaders, promised to cooperate fully with the DOJ investigation.
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The Spin

Left narrative

Massey's murder was the tragic culmination of years of Grayson being let off the hook, despite a history of violating people's civil rights and lying about drug arrests. Massey was the descendent of a Black man who was lynched by a white mob, and it appears the legal system is still promoting the same type of bigoted behavior.

Intercept

MS Now

Right narrative

These types of shootings go viral because of how rare they are. Police use of force makes up 0.1% of 911 calls and fatal shootings just 0.002%. Often the media creates fake statistics to drum up anti-police public sentiment, thereby making up for the rarity of these incidents. If the media weren't so dishonest, the police would have a better reputation.

City Journal