The savage beating and subsequent death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis Police Officers is deplorable, infuriating, and extremely disappointing. I can’t believe a reckless driving traffic stop could escalate to such a devastating and, life-changing ending for Mr. Nichols and his family. I am heartbroken that five Officers of the law have redefined protect and serve as we expect it. So shocked, so disappointed, and so heartbroken! This is a sad state of our affairs.

We must, however respect the wishes of parents Row Vaugh and Rodney Wells to protest in a nonviolent or destructive manner; however, we need a cultural change of heart. Our Police must be better! They can’t be above the law because they wear the badge. They must instead be the epitome of, what the badge is sworn to represent. To protect and serve the public. They did neither in the execution of this over enforcement of a simple traffic infraction which led to the untimely and unnecessary death of Mr. Nichols.

Judson Robinson, President & CEO

Houston Area Urban League

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Teresa Candori tcandori@nul.org | 212-558-5362

“SICKENED” BY FOOTAGE OF TYRE NICHOLS BRUTAL BEATING, NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE PRESIDENT MARC MORIAL SAYS A DRASTIC CULTURE SHIFT MUST ACCOMPANY POLICE REFORMS

NEW YORK and MEMPHIS (January 27, 2023) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement after watching the video of Tyree Nichols’ fatal beating at the hands of Memphis police:

“Excessive force doesn’t begin to describe the inhumane violence these officers inflicted on a terrified and defenseless young man who posed no apparent threat to anyone. My heart goes out to Tyre Nichols family, whose grief and trauma at this moment are hard to imagine.

“The officers weren’t defending themselves. They weren’t defending the citizens they were sworn to protect. They weren’t protecting property or stopping a crime in progress. This was violence for the sake of violence, a shocking disregard for humanity and decency. It’s indefensible under any circumstances but especially egregious coming from officers entrusted with public safety.

“This wasn’t simply a failure of policy; the department has clear guidelines on the use of force. The larger problem is the culture of brutality and sense of impunity that still pervades law enforcement 30 years after the videotaped beating of Rodney King appalled the nation. Five officers behaving together in the same violent and lawless manner without even one intervening to stop it – apparently, without the slightest expectation that anyone would object – is clear evidence of a culture that tolerates violence and lawlessness.

“Public safety depends on trust; police brutality erodes that trust. The National Urban League developed 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust as a guideline not only for reforming policies and procedures, but for reimagining the relationship between police and the communities they serve. Departments must set clear expectations for integrity from the moment of recruitment and strictly enforce them at every step of the way.

“The National Urban League and our affiliates around the country are committed to working with police departments to achieve this lasting change.”