The passing of Tyre Nichols has struck a visceral nerve with people across the world.
The videos of Tyre Nichols being brutally beaten by Memphis police officers left the public in shock and disgust. Barack and Michelle Obama joined the nationwide call for police reform in a statement reacting to the footage.
The devoted father’s life was cut short when he died earlier this month, days after he was severely battered by members of the Memphis Police Department.
The heartbreaking encounter has been viewed countless times and sparked reactions that have been shared on social media.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama issued a joint statement.
“The vicious, unjustified beating of Tyre Nichols and his ultimate death at the hands of five Memphis police officers is just the latest, painful reminder of how far America still has to go in fixing how we police our streets.”
read a tweet from the former President and First Lady.
President Biden said in a statement he was “outraged” and “deeply pained” to see the video. “It is yet another painful reminder of the profound fear and trauma, the pain, and the exhaustion that Black and brown Americans experience every single day,” he wrote.
Vice President Kamala Harris joined President Biden in calling for accountability and transparency. “Tyre Nichols should have made it home to his family. Yet, once again, America mourns a life brutally cut short at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve,” in part read Harris’ statement. She added, “We must build trust—not fear—within our communities.”
