Sonya Massey’s Killing by Illinois Congressman Sparks Protest at Houston’s Emancipation Park

A national day of mourning was observed across the country Sunday in memory of Sonya Massey, 36. Massey was shot and killed by an Illinois police officer earlier on July 6.

Several hundred people gathered at Emancipation Park to pay tribute to Massey. Many speakers said the incident in Illinois had an impact on Houston residents.

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“It’s a terrible world when you’re not safe at home,” one participant said.

Sonya Massey, 36, was shot and killed by a now-fired Illinois sheriff’s deputy earlier this month. Prosecutors said the deputy, Sean Grayson, was responding to Massey’s 9-1-1 call about a potential intruder. In body camera video, the deputy is seen pointing his gun at Massey and yelling at her to put down a pot of boiling water. She then apologizes by lowering the pot and taking cover before the officer shoots her in the face.

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“I “I kind of want to show the world that Houston supports Sonya Massey,” said Houston resident Quig Williams.

Communities across the country are now observing a National Day of Mourning in memory of Sonya Massey.

“We are here today in solidarity with the protesters and calling for action. We want federal criminal justice reform, the George Floyd Policing Act. We want more accountability for police officers,” said Rep. Ron Reynolds.

“What we’re doing here is we’re going to stand for change, because until there’s justice, there’s no peace,” Williams said.

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The event’s organizer was rapper Trae Tha Truth, who said he was determined to turn the tragedy into a catalyst for change.

“It’s a heartbreaking situation to watch this video. What if this was our mother, our aunt, our grandmother? So I thought this had to be done,” Trae Tha Truth said.

“We “Police brutality must end. What happened to Sonya Massey is unacceptable in every way. We saw it happen with George Floyd and countless other African Americans,” said Houston resident Jennine Hovell-Cox.

The deputy who shot Massey is Sean Grayson. He is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bail.