Police Officer Kills Woman After Feeling Threatened by Boiling Pot

Police in Illinois, United States, have released body camera footage of an officer who shot Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old African-American woman, who had called the emergency services to report an alleged intruder in her home. The tragic event occurred over the US Independence Day weekend and resulted in criminal charges against one of the officers who responded to the scene.

The deputy involved, Sean Grayson of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department, was fired and charged with murder and misconduct following the incident. Grayson, currently being held without bail, has pleaded not guilty.

The events occurred in the early hours of July 6, when Massey called police to report that someone had entered her property in Springfield, 200 miles south of Chicago. Officers accompanied Massey inside her home while she searched for her identification.

Body camera footage officers show what happened. Grayson gestured towards the pot and commented, "We don't need a fire while we're here." Massey walked to the stove to remove the pot, and they both appeared to laugh before she said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson responded with insults and threats before pulling the gun from her and ordering her to drop the pot. After three shots, Massey fell wounded.

The video shows Grayson stating that the woman would not need medical help. Even though another officer attempted to search for a medical kit, Grayson said she was already dead.

The incident has generated a strong public reaction and statements from leaders such as President Biden, who expressed sadness for the victim's family and highlighted the need to address the fears faced by black Americans.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called images of the shooting "horrific" and called for calm as the case moves through the criminal justice system.

The accused officer's profile reveals a history of violations, including two DUI tickets in 2015 and 2016, and several traffic stops.