(WFXR) — In the wake of the release of the Tyre Nichols murder body camera footage Virginia law enforcement agencies and Gov. Glenn Youngkin have begun to release statements in response.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin:
“The hearts of Virginians and our entire nation ache tonight as we struggle with the horrible events in Memphis and grieve for Tyre Nichols and his family. The disturbing and shocking video released this evening displays incomprehensible violence towards another human being and we must condemn these heinous actions.
As we process these agonizing events, I ask those exercising their first amendment rights to do so peacefully. We will ensure Virginians’ first amendment rights as we prioritize and protect the safety of the Commonwealth and all Virginians. We can choose to come together and not further the divide. We must strive each day to better our communities and treat one another with love and respect.
Suzanne and I are praying for the family of Tyre and for the continued safety of the Commonwealth, all Virginians, and our men and women in law enforcement.”
VA Governor Glenn Youngkin
The Blacksburg Police Department:
Charlottesville Law Enforcement Agencies:
“We are profoundly saddened by the actions that led to the untimely, senseless, and brutal death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five former members of the Memphis Police Department
Once again, police officers around the globe who hold dear their oath of office and work diligently to preserve public trust and confidence have been irreparably harmed by the callous actions of others who abandoned their commitment to peace, justice, and the humanity. The disgusting actions we witnessed in this video are not indicative of the hard-working men and woman of our agencies.
The work our officers do every day matters in the lives of others. We must set out to do good, act with measured restraint, honor our commitment to the Constitutional principles that guide our work, and to always, always, respect the sanctity of human life: no matter what. It is the undisputed truth that our profession has not always been on the right side of justice; the actions of these five former members show that we still have work to do.
As leaders of the three law enforcement agencies in this region, we are committed to building back the community’s trust to uphold the oath we hold so dear.”
Timothy Longo, University of Virginia Chief of Police; Michael Kochis, City of Charlottesville Chief of Police; Sean Reeves, Albemarle County Chief of Police
This is a developing story and will be added to as updates become available.
