PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, the city police chief and community leaders released statements on Thursday condemning the shooting and killing of Sonya Massey in Illinois.
On Monday, Illinois State Police released body camera video showing the moment when sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed Massey on July 6 in her home in Springfield. Massey had called 911, fearing that there was a prowler around her home. A grand jury indicted Grayson on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.
Wheeler said the deputy's actions were egregious and called his arrest "the only appropriate response."
"I stand united with local community leaders and law enforcement in condemning the egregious actions by a law enforcement officer that took the life of Sonya Massey. The body camera footage is indefensible," Wheeler said. "It is shameful that Sonya’s call for help ended with her dying at the hands of a deputy whose history included so many red flags. The immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Sean Grayson is the only appropriate response."
Portland Police Chief Bob Day also shared a statement, calling the deadly shooting of Massey reprehensible and horrific.
Day said, in part, "Sonya Massey called the police for help and instead she was shot in her own home by someone who had sworn to serve and protect. This shooting was reprehensible and horrific, and I am heartbroken for her loved ones and the Springfield community," he said. "I commend the swift action taken to begin the process of pursing justice in this case. This senseless act further erodes trust in police, especially with people of color."
NAACP President James Posey and Portland-area pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee released a joint statement. They called for more de-escalation training and asked the public to stand united.
"We applaud the authorities in Illinois who moved swiftly to charge this officer with the senseless killing of Sonya Massey. We also pray for her family members and friends," the statement said. We need to continue and expand de-escalation trainings which goes a long way to keep interactions between police and the community peaceful. We ask that Portlanders come together, peacefully as a community.”
Aaron Schmautz, president of the Portland Police Association, and Josh Zwick, president of Multnomah County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, released a joint statement, saying, in part, "The concern, confusion, and sorrow are shared by all community members, as well as the law enforcement officers throughout our country who serve every day. Sonya Massey should be alive today, and we lift up her family, loved ones, and community as they grapple with this unimaginable loss. ... The Portland Police Association and the Multnomah County Deputy Sheriff’s Association stand with those who are grieving this heartbreaking loss."
9 people arrested for vandalizing Portland police's North Precinct
The statements came a day after Portland police arrested nine people accused of vandalizing the bureau's North Precinct.
About 50 people participated in a demonstration outside the North Precinct around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Portland police said. Police did not specify what the demonstration was about, but said the group chanted and banged on pots for 20 minutes before tagging windows and walls near the building's main entrance. Officers started to make arrests.
Both Wheeler and Day said in statements that they support free speech, but not violence or destroying property.
The nine people who were arrested face a range of different charges, including trespass in the second degree, interfering with a peace officer and criminal mischief in the first degree.
