Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Death of Sonya Massey

The death of Sonya Massey is an absolute tragedy. Fearing for her safety, she did what most of us would do, she called 911 for help. One of the deputies called upon to protect and serve, instead ended her life, fatally shooting her.

An investigation is underway, but that offers little solace to a grieving family. Massey was just 36 years old. She’s remembered as a God-fearing woman and a good mother. Massey is one of a number of Black women who have been killed by law enforcement in their own homes in recent years, including Breonna Taylor and Atatiana Jefferson.

However, I am thankful that in this case, we have the bodycam footage from both deputies who responded, that shows exactly what happened to Sonya Massey. I am thankful to the Sangamon County prosecutors and the Department of Justice, who are moving swiftly and holding the sheriff’s deputy who fired the fatal shot, accountable for his malfeasance. No one is above the law.

I stand with the Massey family in calling for a probe into the hiring of the sheriff’s deputy charged in this killing.  He’d worked at six law enforcement agencies in four years and was charged with driving under the influence twice. Massey would be alive today were it not for the callus actions of an officer with a sketchy past.

I’m calling on the community to join me in continuing to pray for the Massey family that God grants them the strength to make it through this very difficult time.