Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Statement on the Horrific Police Killing of Tyre Nichols

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) released the following statement after video footage showed Memphis police officers violently beating Tyre Nichols to death.

Tyre Nichols should be alive today. Almost three weeks ago, Tyre was brutally murdered by 5 Memphis Police Officers using excessive force during a traffic stop. He was months away from his 30th birthday, and what should have been a momentary inconvenience has cut his life short, prompting a lifetime of sorrow for his loved ones.
 
Public trust in our law enforcement is the cornerstone of public safety and something we must work to improve throughout our communities. We must ensure our criminal justice system upholds its promise of providing fair and impartial justice for all.
 
I commend the quick response of the Memphis Police Department and Chief C.J. Davis in investigating and terminating the officers involved. We must hold our law enforcement officials accountable and increase efforts to improve officer crisis intervention training and mental health outreach programs. De-escalation tactics must be the norm, and these senseless killings must cease. Our communities deserve better, and our country deserves better.
 
Today, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Tyre Nichols's family and pledge to work with House Democrats to advance meaningful reforms.