On the recordJuly 22, 2024
On July 6, Sonya Massey dialed 911 seeking safety, but instead of receiving help, she met with fatal gunfire from an officer of the law. Like everyone who has seen the body camera footage of her final moments, I am shocked, horrified, and heartbroken. This was an appalling act of senseless violence that strikes at the core of our humanity. I stand here today echoing the voices of my constituents in Springfield and Americans nationwide demanding justice and accountability. We must confront and end the use of excessive force against unarmed people of color in this country. My heart goes out to Sonya's children, her family, and all who loved her. They deserve answers and they deserve to see an end to this systemic issue. Sonya Massey should be alive today. We owe it to her memory to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. ____________________





