An Illinois police union initially planned to fight for the reinstatement of a sheriff’s department deputy, Sean Grayson, who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her kitchen. However, the union has now decided not to pursue his reinstatement, stating that their obligations under the collective bargaining agreement do not diminish the sympathy they feel for Massey’s family. The decision comes amidst nationwide outrage over Massey’s death, with calls for police reform and comparisons to other high-profile cases like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Grayson’s body camera was not activated until after he shot Massey, but footage from another officer’s body camera captured the incident. The officer was fired from his position after being indicted on multiple charges, including murder. Grayson has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail without bond. The decision by the police union to abandon Grayson comes after a heated listening session organized by the Justice Department and ahead of a rally in Chicago attended by Massey’s family, civil rights leaders Rev. Al Sharpton, and attorney Ben Crump.
The incident has raised questions about Grayson’s previous DUIs and alleged misconduct, though his attorney has not responded to requests for comment. The situation has escalated tensions in the community, with the sheriff who hired Grayson calling for forgiveness but expressing a refusal to resign. Massey’s death has sparked a national conversation about police accountability and the use of deadly force.
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