Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sonya Massey’s loved ones are to view bodycam video as they meet with Illinois State Police Wednesday. Massey is the woman killed by Sangamon County deputies a week and a half ago.
At Tuesday’s Springfield City Council meeting, Assistant Police Chief Don Mumaw said they have been in planning mode and meeting with community stakeholders. “We believe in your First Amendment rights. We believe in your right to protest, and we will provide that lane. We just ask for everybody to be peaceful.”
Mayor Misty Buscher said there will be a police presence, but it is for the safety of the protesters.
There may be “a lot of emotions flying throughout our community” once the video is released, said Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase who asked that “everyone be calm”. Purchase told WTAX news there will be a protest Saturday and Attorney Ben Crump will be in Springfield. Crump is a civil rights attorney who has been retained by the Massey family. He is known for taking on cases involving police misconduct.
An online message from Black Lives Matter SPI said Massey’s family will view the bodycam video of the incident Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Springfield NAACP at 801 S. 11th St. BLM SPI invited the community to the be at the NAACP to “stand in solidarity with the family.”
Black Lives Matter SPI invites community to stand with family
Massey’s funeral is scheduled for Friday.
