Illinois State Police shoot woman seeking help
Illinois State Police shot a dark-skinned woman who had turned to them for help, believing that an intruder might enter her home, BBC and CNN report.
Tragic Incident
36-year-old Sonia Messy was shot on July 6, the weekend after Independence Day in the USA. In the morning, she called the police to her home in Springfield, reporting a possible break-in.
Shocking Footage
Upon arrival, the police immediately went inside the house with the woman who was looking for her ID. Police body camera footage shows Deputy Sheriff Sean Grayson asking the woman to remove a pot of water from the stove, saying, «We don’t need a fire while we’re here.»
The woman approaches the stove to remove the pot, at which point it seemed like they were joking about the pot with «hot water» until she twice said, «I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.»
Tragic Ending
Sonia Messy replies, «Okay, sorry,» and squats down, hiding behind a partition. At that moment, the officer fires.
The video also captures Grayson telling his partner that the woman won’t need medical help. When another officer prepares to take his medical kit, Grayson says, «It’s all done. You can go get her, but there’s a shot in the head.»
Justice Served
The Sangamon County Prosecutor’s Office stated that Grayson had used unjustified force against Sonia Messy. He was dismissed from the police force and charged with murder and violations of duty. The officer himself refused to admit guilt to the charges brought against him. He was arrested without the possibility of bail.
Call for Change
President Joe Biden expressed hope for a review of the case and called on the US Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to increase trust and accountability in American police.
