Nationwide Vigils Planned for Sonya Massey, Black Woman Shot by Police

As the nation grapples with the disturbing footage of a sheriff’s deputy shooting Sonya Massey in the face, vigils are set to take place across the country this weekend to honor her memory.

Activists have designated Sunday as a National Day of Mourning for Massey, with gatherings scheduled in New York, Los Angeles, and Massey’s hometown of Springfield, Illinois.

Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, had dialed 911 to report a possible intruder. She was standing with two deputies in her Springfield home and holding a pot of boiling water when Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean P. Grayson shot her in the head on July 6.

While another deputy was clearing the house, Grayson began “aggressively yelling” at Massey to put down the pot, despite previously permitting her to remove it from the stove. Even though Massey was in another room, Grayson drew his weapon and threatened to shoot her. According to documents, Massey raised her hands, said “I’m sorry,” and ducked for cover.

An autopsy released Friday confirmed that Massey died from a bullet that entered under her left eye. Grayson has been charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty.

The tragic details of the killing have sparked national outrage. The release of the chaotic body camera video earlier this week has prompted a federal investigation and calls for police reform.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated at Massey’s funeral that the video would “shock the conscience of America like the pictures of Emmett Till after he was lynched.” He compared the video to the cases of Laquan McDonald and George Floyd, emphasizing its senseless and unjustifiable nature.

Vigils planned across the country

Rallies for the National Day of Mourning are scheduled in New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and other locations on Sunday. In Springfield, where Massey lived, a rally will take place at Comer Cox Park at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, along with Massey family members, will participate in a rally in Chicago on Tuesday evening, Crump said. Some communities have already begun hosting vigils for Massey, with gatherings taking place in Kansas City, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Wilmington, North Carolina, on Friday.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Massey’s family members in a phone call on Friday, offering her condolences and support. “Sonya Massey deserved to be safe,” Harris said in a statement.

Massey’s father, James Wilburn, told NBC News that Harris’ call provided comfort to the family. Shadia Massey, Sonya Massey’s cousin, added that the call “really meant the world to our family.”