The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas condemn yet another senseless act of violence, perpetrated against an unarmed victim.
At 12:50 a.m. on July 6, Sonya Massey, a Black 36-year-old mother of two, called authorities over her concerns about a prowler at her home.
Instead of helping, a sheriff’s deputy shot Sonya three times and killed her, an unprovoked killing clearly shown on bodycam footage released by the Sangamon County (Springfield, Illinois) sheriff’s department.
A sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Sonya Massey.
We grieve the death of Sonya, and our hearts are broken for her children, family, friends, and community. We denounce the taking of human life and the widespread acceptance of violence in our society.
This is just the latest in a list that is far too long of innocent people — most often people of color, people made poor — killed by police. Even their own homes provide no safety.
The systemic issues of racism, violence and the many incidents of law enforcement officials not being held accountable for their actions are among the root causes of the death of Sonya Massey. Our current federal legislation fails to protect society, and advocacy efforts to change this continue to fall on deaf ears.
We need alternative policies to policing that include community input, accountability, and, most importantly, the recognition of the dignity of all human lives, including and especially the lives of people of color and those made poor.
We hope and act for a time when all will be treated as children of God and be safe in their own homes.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice…” (Matthew 5:6)