James Beverly, the minority leader, discussed Tyre Nichols’ murder and the police culture that led to it in a speech to the Georgia House of Representatives.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man killed by Memphis police earlier this month, was called for a moment of quiet by Beverly, who is the representative for District 143. At a traffic check, Nichols was assaulted by the police, and three days later he passed away from his wounds.
The incident’s body camera footage from the police was made public on Friday. Beverly brought up the murder of Nichols and other incidents of police abuse.
Tyre deserves to return home, he declared. “Eric Garner had a right to return home. George Floyd had a right to return home. However, they didn’t. Officers swore to give our communities safety and stability, therefore their fate was in their hands. This man’s life was consumed as a meal by their society.”
The passing of Nichols spurred nonviolent protests in Atlanta and across the country.
In addition, Beverly’s statement contained a request for action from lawmakers.
He stated, “Our culture, Georgia House of Representatives, will not watch helplessly as injustice reigns.” In order to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in our state, I’m pleading with this House, the Georgia House of Representatives in general, and the Democratic Caucus in particular, to have hearings and approve the legislation.
In relation to the death of Nichols, five police officers have been dismissed and charged with second-degree murder. On Monday, a sixth police officer was placed on leave.
The officers belonged to the SCORPION unit, a specialized team created to combat local street crime. The unit was abolished by the police chief following the murder.
