Following the release of a video by Memphis police showing the brutal beating of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols by five officers on January 7, actions that led to his death as he was returning to his mother's home, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus called the events indefensible and repugnant.
“What we saw in that video was indefensible, disgusting and incomprehensible,” Corpus said in a series of tweets posted via the Sheriff’s Office Twitter account. “This is a sad day for Mr. Nichols’ family and our nation.”
The five Memphis police officers were fired from the department this week and charged with second-degree murder, among other crimes.
The release of the officers' body camera videos shows the heinous nature of the assault on Nichols, which led to his death. "What I saw those officers do to Tyre Nichols is deeply disturbing, and their actions stain our profession."
In the series of recordings from the officers' body cameras, which span 60 minutes, it is observed how they try to immobilize Nichols next to his car, which manages to break free and escape on foot. However, minutes later he is caught after a chase and that is when they begin to attack him with punches, blows, clubs and kicks, as well as tasers.
"I condemn what is seen in this video in the strongest possible terms. The actions of these officers greatly damaged the trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve," the sheriff added.
“I will redouble my commitment to serve, protect and engage with our communities with compassion, respect, integrity and dignity. As I have said, we must work together as a community for change,” Corpus stressed. “But I asked that we do so peacefully and with respect for Mr. Nichols in communities across this country struggling to make sense of this senseless act.”
The San Mateo Police Department offered its condolences to the Tyre Nichols family in a statement.
“The San Mateo Police Department offers its deepest condolences to Mr. Nichols’ family, friends and the Memphis community. While we have made great strides in our community to address social injustice, the death of a young African American man highlights the necessary work that must be done to ensure that all members of our society are treated fairly and equally under the law and the criminal justice system,” it said.
He also noted that, for the community of San Mateo, "the actions of five Memphis law enforcement officers tarnish the badge of all police officers in the United States."
“Please know that we stand with you against police brutality and are working every day to raise the bar for the law enforcement profession. As we have demonstrated with our Real Talk San Mateo series, we welcome a conversation to discuss policing and how we can do better.”
They also detailed that if the San Mateo community wishes to invite the Police Department to their next community meeting, virtual meeting or meeting, organizers can send an email to pdpio@cityofsanmateo.org.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
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