Vigils held for Sonya Massey across the nation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Dozens of Rhode Islanders joined together on the Rhode Island State House steps yesterday, holding a vigil for Sonya Massey.

Vigils across the nation took place over the weekend.

The 36-year-old mother was gunned down and killed by a police officer.

She called 911 for help saying she thought there was a prowler outside her home in Springfield, Illinois.

The officer that shot her has been fired and is now behind bars, charged with homicide.

Police body camera footage released this week shows Massey asking the officers not to hurt her, before the shots rang out.

In Providence, Black Lives Matter RI PAC lit candles and brought flowers to honor Massey.

Activists are demanding justice for the mother of two, calling for police reform at the federal level.