The US Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a letter to the Sangamon County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Department on Thursday announcing an investigation into potential civil rights violations prompted by the July 6 police shooting of Sonya Massey.

The letter stated that a review of department practices revealed potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DOJ said the department’s interactions with Black people and people with disabilities, its emergency response service, and its employment practices sparked the investigation:

DOJ has reviewed reports about [the] fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman experiencing a mental health crisis … The incident raises serious concerns about [the department’s] interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities, as well as [its] policies, practices, procedures, and training regarding community policing, bias-free policing, response to behavioral health crises, use of force, de-escalation, affirmative duty to intervene, affirmative duty to render medical aid, and body-worn camera … policies and compliance.

The DOJ requested the department provide information on hiring practices, officer training methods, rules, procedures, and all information relating to the shooting. As a recipient of DOJ funding, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department must comply with DOJ document requests and federal anti-discrimination laws.

On July 6, officers responded to a 911 call placed by Massey, who was concerned about a possible prowler near her home. Video shows the routine call quickly escalate when Deputy Sean Greyson suddenly pulls his gun and aims it toward Massey, demanding she drop a pot of boiling water. Greyson fires three shots, striking Massey in the head.

On July 17, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney filed an indictment against Greyson, and the following day, an Illinois Grand Jury charged Grey with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. 

The shooting has given rise to public outrage, with community protesters gathering at the Sangamon County NAACP building following the release of body camera footage. The incident elicited responses from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, among others.

In response to the tragedy, Sangamon County created a commission to address systemic issues with police practices and community engagement. The commission’s goals align with many communities across the country who—in the wake of the police killings like those of Michael Brown, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others—seek to address racial inequities and violence in policing.

Greyson is awaiting trial as his appeal of his pretrial detention is under review.