Following the release of footage of the brutal police beating of Tire Nichols, many politicians, including former President Donald Trump, spoke out against the beating that led to Nichols’ death.
What happened to Tire Nichols?
Body camera footage was released Friday showing the fatal beating of Tire Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, by five police officers, who were also black, on January 7, the Deseret News reported. Nichols died three days later.
All five officers have since been fired from the Memphis Police Department and charged with murder.
Politicians’ reactions to body camera footage
Former President Donald Trump called the footage “horrific” and told The Associated Press the attack “should never have happened.”
“I thought it was terrible. I was in so much trouble. He was just getting hit. Now, that should never have happened,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden released a declarationcalling for a “peaceful protest,” calling the beating “another painful reminder of the deep fear and trauma, the pain and exhaustion that black and brown Americans experience every day.”
My heart goes out to the Tire Nichols family and to the Americans in Memphis and across the country who are grieving this tremendously painful loss. There are no words to describe the anguish and pain of losing a beloved son and young father.⁰⁰Here is my full statement. pic.twitter.com/ghROhSGtao
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 28, 2023
Utah Senator Mitt Romney tweeted that he was “heartbroken” for Nichols’ family and loved ones.
“I have read descriptions of the brutal beating. Ann and I still can’t bring ourselves to watch the video. We are heartbroken and sorry for Tire’s family and loved ones,” Romney wrote.
I have read descriptions of the brutal beating. Ann and I still can’t bring ourselves to watch the video. We are heartbroken and in grief for Tire’s family and loved ones.
—Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) January 28, 2023
Utah Representative Burgess Owens He tweeted: “My family and I are praying for Tire Nichols’ family and loved ones.”
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