Protests Erupt in New York Over Police Shooting of Sonya Massey
- Hundreds gathered in Lower Manhattan to protest the death of Sonya Massey, an Illinois woman shot by a sheriff's deputy.
- The protest reflects growing tensions and demands for justice in response to police violence.
- Participants called for accountability, highlighting the ongoing national debate over law enforcement and community safety.
NEW YORK — Hundreds gathered in Lower Manhattan on Sunday to protest the death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Illinois woman shot by a sheriff's deputy after calling for help. The rally, held in Washington Square Park, was part of a nationwide movement demanding justice for Massey, a mother of two, and highlighting concerns over police use of excessive force. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans, expressing their outrage over the incident and calling for accountability. Speakers at the rally voiced their frustrations, emphasizing the need for systemic change within law enforcement. "I'm just so sick and tired of this happening over and over again and nothing is being done about it," said Charlene Woodruff. Carl Dix echoed her sentiments, stating that many lives lost to police violence were preventable. Mercedes Funderburk raised concerns about the selection and mental state of police officers, questioning the training and criteria used to hire them. The protests were fueled by body-camera footage showing a confrontation between Massey and Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with community members demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Massey's death. The rally followed a previous event on Thursday, where Massey's name resonated through the park as her family and supporters marched, chanting "No justice, no peace!" Activists like Dimez Cartier from the group We The People emphasized the urgent need for change, declaring, "It just needs to stop."