SHACKLEFORD CONDEMNS MEMPHIS POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED IN TYRE NICHOLS’ DEATH

State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement today regarding the death of Tyre Nichols. Nichols, an African American man, was killed by Memphis police earlier this month. Nichols died Jan. 10, three days after being beaten by five Memphis Police Department officers following a traffic stop.

“My heart breaks for the family and friends of Tyre Nichols and the entire Memphis community,” Shackleford said. “It is unimaginable to consider the pain of his loved ones while watching the same horrific footage as the rest of the nation, including his 4-year-old son. Nichols’ parents are left without a son. His three older siblings are left without a brother. His toddler is left without a father. An entire community is left without a neighbor, who was said to be a lover of skateboarding, photography and sunsets. There is no amount of ‘justice’ or criminal sentence that can repair the brokenness that those touched by his life are feeling. 

“While I’m glad to see the five officers have been charged with second-degree murder and a string of other offenses, I’m heartbroken for Tyre’s family and friends and that we’re still having to have these conversations,” Shackleford said. “When African Americans are killed by police, the killing never occurs in a vacuum. We can no longer ignore the historical link between American policing and white supremacy. Even when the officers at fault are Black or people of color – as is the case in the killing of Tyre Nichols – they are still acting on behalf of the overarching force that for centuries has victimized Black men, women and children. We cannot hope to achieve justice or lasting change in our criminal justice system until we, as a nation, reconcile this uncomfortable truth.

“I implore my fellow lawmakers and elected officials to take this horrific incident and transform it into actionable change. Each of us could benefit from taking time to reflect on our individual biases and removing our rose-colored glasses to see the world how our fellow Americans do. We are the leaders that Hoosiers turn to in times of crisis, let us make each of them proud by creating a more fair, compassionate and equal Indiana.” 

“It’s encouraging that swift action is being taken against the officers responsible for Nichols’ death, and hope this encourages police departments throughout the country to quickly address unacceptable behavior from all bad actors in their ranks. The men and women who take their oaths to serve and protect seriously are all impacted when those who choose to abuse their power are not held accountable. If we want to ensure that police officers equitably and justly protect our communities, we must weed out those who seek to do harm and prosecute those who break their oath.

“The footage from the attack on Tyre Nichols is appalling. I’m heartbroken for him and all those who loved him – including his young son – and understand the urge to protest the actions of the officers involved. While I’m a proud advocate for the First Amendment, it’s my hope that demonstrations in Indianapolis and throughout the nation remain safe and peaceful for everyone involved.