DES MOINES – Tyre Nichols was taking pictures of a sunset at a park one day this month before rogue cops mercilessly snuffed out his life, leaving America outraged once more and summoning words of despair from Iowa police chiefs.
The needless and tragic death of young man Tyre Nichols has left America in a state of despair one more time after Memphis, Tennessee police released horrific video of his encounter with rogue cops. Tyre was taking pictures of a sunset at a park just before he was heading home in his car on January 7 before police stopped him, pulled him out of his car, pepper-sprayed him, chased him, beat him mercilessly, and left the 29-year-old father of one dying before he passed away at a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Memphis Police Department concluded in its administrative investigation into the matter that five officers violated multiple department policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid. Each officer charged was terminated from the Memphis Police Department:
Officer Tadarrius Bean
Officer Demetrius Haley
Officer Emmitt Martin III
Officer Desmond Mills, Jr.
Officer Justin Smith
Each faces criminal counts of murder and other crimes, as well. More charges of others could follow.
The unfolding aftermath of the case and shocking arrest video of Tyre Nichols released by the City of Memphis has spurred law enforcement nationwide as well as in Iowa to speak out about the senseless brutality Tyre was shown by police who are paid to serve and protect everyone equally.
Statement of the Iowa Police Chiefs Association on the Death of Tyre Nichols:
The following statement may be attributed to the executive board of the Iowa Police Chiefs Association:
On behalf of law enforcement officers and executives who honorably serve their local communities across the State of Iowa, we offer our profound sympathies to the family and loved ones of Tyre Nichols. The footage released of his tragic death is deeply disturbing to our membership and all who have viewed it. The death of Mr. Nichols at the hands of police officers, who are employed to serve and protect their community, was appalling and entirely preventable.
Accountability must occur for those in law enforcement who commit unlawful acts. The primary individuals involved have been rightly terminated and criminally charged for their actions. It is our expectation that as this investigation continues, additional dismissals and criminal charges may be appropriate. Those involved in this incident are a disgrace to the law enforcement profession and, unfortunately, stain the image of police officers across this country. However, the actions of these officers are not representative of Iowa law enforcement, nor the majority of police professionals in the United States.
The Iowa Police Chiefs Association continues to advocate for robust policy, procedure, reporting, training, and professional development advancements in all of Iowa’s law enforcement agencies, especially in matters related to use of force. We encourage policy language that includes duty to intervene, duty to render medical aid, and duty to report.
This Association values open dialogue and accountability, embraces human dignity, and preserving the value of every life in our communities. The ultimate goal for our law enforcement leaders is to build meaningful, collaborative relationships and enhance public trust in a manner that reinforces confidence in the policing profession.
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) January 28, 2023
— ShelbyTNSheriff (@ShelbyTNSheriff) January 28, 2023
A message to the community from Chief Wingert. pic.twitter.com/hJ1CPeFinx
— Des Moines Police (@DMPolice) January 28, 2023
Tyre Nichols should have made it home to his family. Yet tonight, once again, America mourns a life brutally cut short at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve.
I join President Biden in his call for accountability and transparency. Read my full statement. pic.twitter.com/3c2Aq3M3Xu
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 28, 2023
(PHOTOS: Tyre Nichols is assaulted by rogue cops in Memphis, TN, on January 7, 2023, via City of Memphis police body cam video.)
