Controversial sit-down interview at the annual National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, former President Donald Trump appeared unfamiliar with the death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman shot by an Illinois sheriff’s deputy earlier this month. Trump also evaded a direct response on whether the officer, Sean Grayson, who has been charged with murder, should receive immunity from prosecution.
The interview, moderated by Rachel Scott of ABC News, Harris Faulkner of Fox News, and Kadia Goba of Semafor, started nearly an hour late. Goba questioned Trump on whether Grayson deserved qualified immunity. Trump, who had previously advocated for federal immunity for officers at a rally in Minnesota, seemed uncertain about the details of the case.
“I don’t know the exact case but I saw something. And it didn’t look good to me,” Trump said. “You are talking with the water right?” He appeared unsure if Grayson was charged.
Pressed further, Trump suggested disapproval of Grayson’s actions but did not explicitly state whether the officer would receive immunity under his policy proposal. “Well, he might not, it depends on what happens. I am talking about people much different than that. We need people to protect ourselves,” Trump stated. “In this particular case, that did not look good to me, I did not like it. I did not like it at all.”
Trump’s comments followed the release of body-camera footage showing the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy shooting Massey as she held a pot of water in her kitchen. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have both addressed the incident, with Biden emphasizing the need for safety and justice for all Americans.
Grayson responded to Massey’s 911 call about a potential intruder on July 6. Footage revealed Massey picking up a pot of hot water and rebuking the officers in the name of Jesus. Grayson threatened her with his gun before firing three shots, striking her in the face. He has since been charged with first-degree murder.
The decision to invite Trump to the convention was widely criticized, including by NABJ members. Washington Post editor Karen Attiah resigned as convention co-chair in protest. She expressed her decision on social media, emphasizing that she was not consulted about the invitation.
NABJ President Ken Lemon defended the invitation, stating it aligned with the organization’s practice of inviting presidential candidates since 1976. He acknowledged members’ concerns but emphasized the importance of holding candidates accountable.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, will not address the convention. NABJ reportedly declined her offer to appear virtually, with Lemon citing her team’s inability to attend in person.
