President Biden, Illinois lawmakers react to bodycam footage of Sonya Massey shooting

Illinois lawmakers are calling the body camera footage from the Sonya Massey case "shocking, horrifying and heartbreaking" following the 36-minute video released to the public Monday afternoon.

The 36-minute bodycam footage shows the rapid escalation that led to Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean P. Grayson shooting Sonya Massey in the head. Video shows Grayson, who has been charged in Massey's murder, saying “This f***ing b***h was crazy” with other officers and, "I can't take hot boiling water to the f***ing face" after he fired three shots.

The latter remark was in reference to Massey, who was retrieving a pot of water from her stove Grayson had told her to move, as he didn’t want to start a house fire.

The graphic video was released on Illinois State Police's YouTube channel Monday, and has reached international attention, receiving statements from congressmen and representatives across Illinois and out-of-state.

More: Video shows deputy in fatal Sonya Massey shooting say, 'I'll shoot you in the face'

President Joe Biden releases statement on the bodycam footage

President Joe Biden weighed in on the release of the footage Monday, saying "Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time."

Biden commended the swift action taken by the Sangamon County State's Attorney's office and asked for prayer to comfort the grieving family. The statement then went on to call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as a fundamental commitment to justice.

Illinois lawmakers react to Sonya Massey bodycam footage

Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield:

State Sen. Doris Turner said Monday she stands with the Massey family, and calls for justice and peace.

“Nothing could prepare our community to see such a blatant disregard for human life. Sonya deserved so much more. We need to come together to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed. I stand with the Massey family in their calls for justice and peace.”

Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield:

“I watched the video footage this afternoon, and I am shocked and horrified by what transpired. My heart goes out to Sonya and her family, who will remain in my thoughts and prayers. They deserve justice. I commend the Sangamon County State’s Attorney for swiftly charging the Deputy with murder. When I was a prosecutor, I viewed hundreds of hours of police interactions and I never saw anything like this. The Deputy who committed this murder is exactly where he belongs, in jail.“

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield:

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski voiced her support of the family in a statement as well.

“On July 6th, Sonya Massey called 911 out of concern for her safety. Instead of receiving help, she was gunned down by an officer who was sworn to serve and protect her.

“Like everyone who has seen the footage of Sonya Massey’s murder, I’m shocked, horrified and heartbroken. This was an act of senseless and unjustifiable violence — and it is an affront to our humanity.

“I join my constituents in Springfield and Americans across the country in demanding full accountability from our justice system. And while justice for Sonya Massey will allow our community to begin healing – we must end the systemic use of excessive force against unarmed people of color.

“My heart continues to go out to Sonya’s children, her family and friends and everyone in our community who is still reeling from this tragedy. Sonya Massey should be alive today.”

Attorney General Kwame Raoul:

In Chicago Monday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul offered his deepest sympathy to the Massey family as they relive a moment no family should experience.

“As the community reacts to the release of the footage, I urge calm as this matter works its way through the criminal justice system.

“In Illinois we have made sure that the law mandates independent investigations after officer involved shootings. In this matter it appears that the investigation by the Illinois State Police and the subsequent referral to the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s office have complied with the letter and spirit of the law by providing the appropriate transparency and moving toward accountability.”

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

“The killing of Sonya Massey is inexcusable, disgraceful and an abhorrent disregard of basic humanity. Sonya’s murder is a heartbreaking injustice against her, her loved ones and all who see themselves represented in her story. She was a mother, daughter and a human being whose memory will not be forgotten.”

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher

Buscher issued a video statement regarding the release of the bodycam footage related to the death of Sonya Massey, saying her heart was broken by the senseless act and loss to the Springfield community.

“I want to make it unequivocally clear that this Sangamon County deputies actions do not reflect the values and integrity of our Springfield Police Department,” Buscher said. “We also share in your outrage, and we stand firmly with you. There is no excuse for this violent act. And we demand accountability and justice for Sonya. As your mayor I want to thank the Illinois State Police and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office for swiftly investigating this event and taking the necessary actions to seek justice for Sonya.”

“The shock, pain and grief her family and friends felt from learning of her death and from going through the process of burial is something that will never ever fade away. We as a community need to always be here for them.”

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Sonya Massey: President Biden, Illinois lawmakers react to bodycam footage