files from The Canadian Press/The Associated Press
Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston has put out a statement regarding the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, saying that as we learn more about the events that took place this month in Memphis, "we join all those mourning this tragedy."
The statement has been posted to the Barrie Police Service website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
“As we learn more about the events that took place this month in Memphis, we join all those mourning this tragedy. A life was lost, and the dignity of an individual was taken away by those who were entrusted to protect their community.” https://t.co/NA76oFgwcy pic.twitter.com/6Ysr4mAohA
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) January 27, 2023
"A life was lost, and the dignity of an individual was taken away by those who were entrusted to protect their community," Johnston said. "The news that is being shared from Memphis is deeply troubling for the public, and police officers alike. We have expectations of public safety organizations, and when events like this happen, it tears at the very fabric of our society. We recognize the significant impact of these tragedies, and we know that these actions negatively impact trust in police, and the sense of legitimacy in our organizations."
Five police officers face charges of second-degree murder, among others, in relation to the killing of Nichols, who died Jan. 10 after he was beaten during a traffic stop three days earlier.
On Friday night, Memphis police will release video footage of the arrest and beating of the Black motorist.
Police departments across the United States are bracing for mass protests.
Nichols' family and the Memphis police chief say they expect protests, but urged people to demonstrate peacefully.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and several other provincial forces are describing the death of a 29-year-old Black man at the hands of Memphis police as "inexcusable" and "deeply troubling."
The Ottawa police service says the death destabilizes communities and undermines trust in police -- and it's reaching out to members of Black and other marginalized communities to affirm its commitment to providing equitable policing in the city.
Peel regional police have also issued a statement saying news of Nichols' murder is "appalling" while York regional police say they condemn the actions of the five police officers charged in the killing.
Banner image: (Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP)
