Reps. Watson Coleman, Jayapal of Progressive Caucus Issue Statement on Acquittals in Tyre Nichols Case
Congressional Progressive Caucus Policing, Constitution, and Equality Task Force Chair Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Chair Emerita Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued the following statement on acquittals in the Tyre Nichols case:
“Two years ago, we were horrified by the video that was released of the savage beating of Memphis resident Tyre Nichols. The brutality on display in body cam footage shocked the nation.
“Today, the country was again shocked to learn that three of the officers involved in Nichols’s killing were acquitted of charges. The lack of justice puts on display for all to see the continuing failure of our justice system to value the lives of Black men and women.
“The decision to move the jury pool from the majority Black city of Memphis to the majority white city of Chattanooga raised concerns that the judicial system would fail the family of Mr. Nichols. Sadly, these fears appear to have been justified.
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Nichols’ family, especially his young child who was robbed of their father, and his parents who were denied justice for their son. Our country has a long way to go to achieve an equitable, color-blind justice system. The Congressional Progressive Caucus remains committed to a future free of police brutality and bias.”