This afternoon, a jury in Springfield, Illinois found former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who had called the police for help. The jury's verdict comes after careful deliberation and review of disturbing body camera footage, which captured the final moments of a life cut far too short.

While no verdict can ever truly fill the void left by Sonya's passing, I agree with the jury's decision and view it as a necessary step toward justice. This case reminds us of the sacred responsibility law enforcement officers carry when responding to calls from the public-especially from those seeking help in their most vulnerable moments.

From the onset of this horrific incident, I have remained in contact with Mr. Wilburn, offering not only my heartfelt condolences but my full support as a fellow father, a community leader, and a public servant committed to integrity, accountability, and reform. I continue to uplift him, the Massey family, and all who loved Sonya in prayer.

We must now come together-not only to grieve, but to recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, transparency, and community trust. I ask that our entire community join me in keeping the Massey and Wilburn families in our prayers as they continue to navigate this unimaginable pain.

Let Sonya Massey's name be etched in our hearts-not only as a reminder of what was lost-but as a call to action to do better, be better, and expect better from those sworn to serve and protect.

Respectfully,