Washington, D.C. — The July 7 killing of Sonya Massey by former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson is a disturbing and horrifying tragedy that should never have happened. Law enforcement, when visiting the home of anyone with reported mental health concerns, should be trained and prepared to respond to these individuals with care and empathy, not violence and harm. A 2024 study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and Vanderbilt University found that 67% of all shootings by police involving someone suffering from a mental or behavioral health episode were fatal. Furthermore, the injustice of Ms. Massey’s killing lays bare the ways in which racial inequities can play out in our communities. More specifically, the Black community should not have to fear interactions with organizations that are charged with keeping us all safe, nor should anyone else.

Law enforcement officers should be trained to recognize mental health and substance use concerns, so that they can safely deescalate situations, prevent uses of physical force wherever possible, and perform equitably, safely, and successfully under stress. When police are called, those who have asked for help should not have to worry about becoming victims of violence.

The American Psychiatric Association condemns the killing of Ms. Massey, discrimination against people with mental illness and substance use disorders, and the racism that underlies so many incidents of police violence. APA also promotes the expansion of Crisis Intervention Team programs that can increase the likelihood of individuals receiving the mental health services they need.

Ms. Massey’s killing occurred during Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and is a painful reminder that our work to educate about the mental health needs of communities of color is far from over. APA urges law enforcement organizations to ensure that they prepare their workforce with both training in dealing with mental health issues and anti-bias training. We urge those who are feeling overwhelmed by her death to reach out for help. 

Learn more  

• APA Position Statement on Police Interactions with Persons with Mental Illness 
• Diversity & Health Equity 
• APA Board of Trustees Structural Racism Accountability Committee
•  The Impact of Trauma – Even from a Distance 

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,900 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.