Reactions are pouring in from local leaders after the release of body camera video and surveillance footage showing five Memphis police officers beating Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop on January 7. Nichols died three days later of his injuries.
Governor Tony Evers released a statement on Twitter:
My heart breaks tonight for Tyre Nichols, his loved ones, Memphis, and communities across our country who are grieving, re-traumatized, fearful, and exhausted.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) January 28, 2023
He should still be with us today.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Police Chief Jeffery Norman and Director of Violence Prevention Ashanti Hamilton issued a joint statement on Friday:
“The Mayor, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Office of Violence Prevention are appalled by the recent incident that occurred in Tennessee.
We emphatically condemn violence in all forms. Accountability must occur for those in law enforcement who commit unlawful acts. Policing must be constitutional, fair, and impartial. Above all else, policing must always respect human dignity and life.
We are united in the belief that a truly safe community is possible only when residents and sworn public safety employees are allied toward that goal. We must trust each other and rely on each other to achieve safety. The horrific episode in Memphis undermines trust there and across the country.
The Milwaukee Police Department demands that our members hold life in the highest regard. MPD’s Code of Conduct requires our members treat all residents with dignity and respect, and requires our members to act with fairness, self-control, tolerance and impartiality.
Together, we condemn reckless and intentional violence of any kind.”
Representative Gwen Moore:
“You do not need to see the video to know that Tyre Nichols should be alive today. I applaud the swift actions taken to hold those responsible for his killing to justice. However, police accountability must be the rule, not the exception,” Moore tweeted on Friday. “Our country needs the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct, enhance transparency, and prevent & remedy racial profiling by law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels. My heart is with the loved ones of Tyre, with Memphis, & with communities across America who are repeatedly traumatized by police violence. We can change this broken system, and change cannot wait.”
State Senator Lena Taylor:
“It’s hard to believe that the shock and visceral response to the video of George Floyd’s death could be matched, but it has. The injuries inflicted upon Tyre Nichols were brutal and vile. I wept for this young man tonight and I weep for a system where these officers felt emboldened to behave in this manner. I wish I could offer more meaningful commentary, but my disgust and dismay won’t let me move beyond my outrage at what was done to this man. No one helped him.”
Milwaukee County Sheriff’s office and Sheriff Denita Ball released a Statement Saturday
“Milwaukee County, there is no other way to describe the criminal killing of Tyre Nichols in
Memphis, Tennessee, than as horrific and outrageous.
As your sheriff, I am appalled and deeply disappointed by what we all witnessed on the footage of
Mr. Nichols’ arrest. We cannot sugarcoat this crime: This young man was subjected to excessive
force, and his treatment was senseless and the very definition of police brutality.
I grieve for Mr. Nichols’ family and loved ones. And I share the outrage of the Memphis community
at large, and all of those across our great nation who, today, demand justice.
Worst of all, this deadly arrest fueled the mistrust and strained relationship between local law
enforcement agencies across the United States and the communities that we swear a solemn oath to
protect and serve. The five now-former Memphis police officers who have been charged with Mr.
Nichols’ kidnapping and murder are the exception and not the rule. They do not represent the vast
majority of law enforcement officers, who daily practice their profession with dedication and
integrity.
I speak for the entire Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, when I say that we condemn the actions of
those responsible for Tyre Nichols’ death. We are committed to protecting and serving all the
residents, workers, and visitors of Milwaukee County. And we must never stop working to make our
community better, stronger, and safer for all, and to strengthen our bond with you.”
The Milwaukee Bucks:
“We are outraged by the deadly beating that Tyre Nichols received from five Memphis police officers. While the police officers being charged for their heinous actions is an important step for justice, this incident further highlights the need for progress in improving police-community relations. The Bucks remain committed to using our voice and resources to inspire the systemic change that needs to happen in our marginalized communities. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Nichols’ family and friends.”
