Several police organizations across Canada are sending condolences to the family of a Black man who died earlier this month after five Memphis, Tenn. police officers beat him during a traffic stop. This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as joyful and lovable. Nichols was just minutes from his home in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 7, 2023, when he was pulled over by police and fatally beaten. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP
TORONTO – Canadian police chiefs are speaking out on the death of a Black man who was beaten by police during a traffic stop in the United States.
The condemnation of the actions that led to Tyre Nichols’ death comes hours before authorities in Memphis, Tenn., plan to release a video of what happened.
Nichols died three days after a Jan. 7 confrontation with five officers and his family says the video shows police savagely beating the 29-year-old motorist for three minutes.
The officers, all of whom are Black, were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police says the circumstances of Nichols’ death are “horrific and highly disturbing,” and it is offering condolences to the man’s loved ones.
The Ottawa Police Service says Nichols’ death and similar tragedies destabilize communities and undermine trust in police across North America.
The chiefs of Peel Regional Police, Windsor police and Regina police have also issued statements condemning the actions of the officers charged in Nichols’ death.
– with files from The Associated Press.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2023.
