Dozens march in Norfolk after unarmed Illinois woman was shot by a deputy

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Outrage has sparked across the country following the shooting death of Sonya Massey by a deputy.

About a week ago, body camera footage came out of Illinois showing the moment a deputy shot Massey in the face despite her showing no obvious signs of a threat. On Sunday, communities came together to demand justice. That included crowds of people marching in downtown Norfolk.

Activist Darrell Redmond told 10 On Your Side why it was so important to be there.

“Today is about bringing together peace and unity,” Redmond said. “Understand that we have to stand together at all times and never get comfortable.”

He compared the moment to when thousands of people marched for George Floyd in 2020.

“So what are we doing?” Redmond asked. “Are we allowing history to repeat itself? And what happened with George Floyd was — the situation that we as a community started standing together and then we got relaxed. And now we have Sonya’s situation.”

He said policing must change entirely to protect Black communities.

“So what we have to do is reeducate the departments on what community policing is and understand that you aren’t here to enforce and be punitive,” Redmond said. “You are here to serve and protect.”

He ended by saying they walk away from the rally with one promise in mind.

“We’re not going to have another George Floyd or Sonya Massey.”

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