Mayor and Top Officials Decry "Indefensible" Police Shooting of Sonya Massey, Demand Deputy's Arrest

Portland's streets are thick with the weight of mourning and anger after the shooting of Sonya Massey, a woman who reportedly called the police for help only to be fatally shot by a responding deputy. In a unified front, Mayor Ted Wheeler and Portland Police Chief Bob Day have strongly condemned the shooting, as have local NAACP President James Posey and Pastor JW Matt Hennessee. Each of them lamented the tragic circumstances and the officer's swift escalation to lethal violence.

Mayor Wheeler articulated the city's collective dismay in a statement labeling the body camera footage of the incident "indefensible" and deeming the immediate arrest and prosecution of Deputy Sean Grayson, “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. 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,”  Wheeler expressed.

Police Chief Day, sharing in the heartbreak, told Portland's official website about the shooting, “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. 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. As a law enforcement leader, I recognize that trust is earned with every call or interaction that we respond to with compassion, respect, and appropriate training. We remain committed to strengthening and building relationships in our own community, continuing to make positive and impactful reforms and elevating our training.” 

In solidarity with local authorities and the bereaved family, NAACP President Posey and Pastor Hennessee called for the continuation and expansion of de-escalation training in a joint statement.