Kamala Harris calls Sonya Massey's family to give ‘heartfelt condolences’

James Wilburn, father of Black woman shot dead by Illinois police, says vice-president ‘let us know she is with us 100%’

In a show of solidarity, Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy in her Illinois home on July 6th. According to Massey's family members who spoke to NBC News, Harris conveyed her unwavering support and condolences.

Massey's tragic death unfolded after she called the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, fearing there might be an intruder outside her residence. An attorney for Massey's family and the Illinois State Police have stated that former deputy Sean Grayson killed the young woman.

On Friday, the autopsy findings confirmed that Massey died from a gunshot wound to the head. The release of this information preceded a powerful rebuke from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey's family. Crump described the killing as "senseless, unnecessary and excessive."

Massey's father, James Wilburn told NBC News that Harris's call "made me feel a lot better today." He added that the vice president "gave us her heartfelt condolences, and she let us know that she is with us, 100% that this senseless killing."

Bodycam footage released on Monday provided a harrowing glimpse into the final moments of Massey's life. The footage showed Grayson and his partner speaking with Massey outside her home before the situation escalated when Massey moved a pot of water off her stove inside the residence.

Grayson has since been fired and indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the wake of the tragedy, Harris issued a statement on Tuesday honoring Massey and pledging to ensure that the justice system "fully lives up to its name." The vice president stated, "Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. After she called the police for help, she was tragically killed in her own home at the hands of a responding officer sworn to protect and serve. Doug and I send strength and prayers to Sonya's family and friends, and we join them in grieving her senseless death."

President Joe Biden also weighed in, stating that Massey's family deserves justice and reiterating his call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a landmark police reform bill named after the Minnesota man whose killing by a police officer in 2020 sparked nationwide protests.

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Massey's shooting, adding to the growing calls for accountability and change within the criminal justice system.

Sonya Massey's tragic death has once again shone a spotlight on the ongoing issue of police violence, particularly against Black individuals. The outreach from Vice President Harris and the powerful statements from President Biden underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such senseless losses of life in the future.

As the nation mourns Massey's passing, her family can take solace in the knowledge that their grief is being recognized at the highest levels of government and that the pursuit of justice for Sonya will continue unabated.

 James Wilburn, father of Black woman shot dead by Illinois police, says vice-president ‘let us know she is with us 100%’

In a show of solidarity, Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy in her Illinois home on July 6th. According to Massey's family members who spoke to NBC News, Harris conveyed her unwavering support and condolences.

Massey's tragic death unfolded after she called the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, fearing there might be an intruder outside her residence. An attorney for Massey's family and the Illinois State Police have stated that former deputy Sean Grayson killed the young woman.

On Friday, the autopsy findings confirmed that Massey died from a gunshot wound to the head. The release of this information preceded a powerful rebuke from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey's family. Crump described the killing as "senseless, unnecessary and excessive."

Massey's father, James Wilburn told NBC News that Harris's call "made me feel a lot better today." He added that the vice president "gave us her heartfelt condolences, and she let us know that she is with us, 100% that this senseless killing."

Bodycam footage released on Monday provided a harrowing glimpse into the final moments of Massey's life. The footage showed Grayson and his partner speaking with Massey outside her home before the situation escalated when Massey moved a pot of water off her stove inside the residence.

Grayson has since been fired and indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the wake of the tragedy, Harris issued a statement on Tuesday honoring Massey and pledging to ensure that the justice system "fully lives up to its name." The vice president stated, "Sonya Massey deserved to be safe. After she called the police for help, she was tragically killed in her own home at the hands of a responding officer sworn to protect and serve. Doug and I send strength and prayers to Sonya's family and friends, and we join them in grieving her senseless death."

President Joe Biden also weighed in, stating that Massey's family deserves justice and reiterating his call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a landmark police reform bill named after the Minnesota man whose killing by a police officer in 2020 sparked nationwide protests.

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Massey's shooting, adding to the growing calls for accountability and change within the criminal justice system.

Sonya Massey's tragic death has once again shone a spotlight on the ongoing issue of police violence, particularly against Black individuals. The outreach from Vice President Harris and the powerful statements from President Biden underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such senseless losses of life in the future.

As the nation mourns Massey's passing, her family can take solace in the knowledge that their grief is being recognized at the highest levels of government and that the pursuit of justice for Sonya will continue unabated.