Harris issues statement on fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, said she 'deserved to be safe'
Harris has issued a statement on the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who was shot in her own home by a deputy after calling 911 to report a possible intruder.
"Sonya Massey deserved to be safe," Harris wrote in the statement. "After she called the police for help, she was tragically killed in her own home at the hands of a responding officer sworn to protect and serve. Doug and I send strength and prayers to Sonya’s family and friends, and we join them in grieving her senseless death."
Police body camera footage was released by by the Illinois State Police Monday afternoon.
"The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many – we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name," Harris said.
Harris said he joined Biden in calling on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act -- a bill she coauthored when she served in the Senate.
"In this moment, in honor of Sonya’s memory and the memory of so many more whose names we may never know, we must come together to achieve meaningful reforms that advance the safety of all communities," Harris said.
-ABC News' Sarah Beth Hensley