Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
Activists took to the streets of Los Angeles to protest and call for a change in policing after the release of a video showing the fatal beating of Tire Nichols by former Memphis police officers.
The 67 minutes of footage released Friday is graphic and disturbing, showing officers repeatedly violently punching and kicking Nichols, who was hospitalized and died three days later.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement condemning the actions of the Memphis officers and calling for the demonstrations to remain peaceful.
“The accounts of the circumstances of this heinous crime and the criminal actions of those involved are reprehensible,” the Los Angeles Police Department said.
“The Department will do everything in its power to ensure that the legal expression of public anger and frustration is protected and prepared to facilitate those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it was prepared for possible riots after the images were made public and coordinated with other state, local and federal agencies.
No large demonstrations took place on Friday night and there were no reports of injuries.
“The Sheriff’s Department supports the first amendment and people’s right to protest,” LASD said.
The Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also issued a statement condemning the actions. in the video that said in part:
“Tonight, we saw ferocious violence from an out-of-control herd. We saw a sick contempt for humanity when Tire was left lying there. No words can express the chilling familiarity of a black man weeping for his mother while being beaten until dying at the hands of law enforcement officers sworn to protect us. My heart aches for Tire’s family and everyone who loved him.”
The California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement offering condolences to Nichols’ family and friends.
“The video posted shows abhorrent behavior and these officers must be held accountable for their deadly actions and clear abuse of power,” Newsom said.
“Today we are a country of mourning and we must continue our work at the national level to push for reforms that prevent excessive use of force and save lives.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón issued a statement calling the video “absolutely horrifying.”
“This crime did not happen in Los Angeles, but I know that it is opening a lot of wounds here,” Gascón said. “It’s a stark reminder of how far we have to go to rebuild the community’s broken trust.”
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* Memphis authorities release video of violent police arrest that killed Tire Nichols
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* Protesters demand justice in the US after video of police abuse that caused the death of Tire Nichols