MADISON, WI – Today, the family and friends laid 29-year-old Tyre Nichols to rest. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“I am devastated by the recent murder of Tyre Nichols. Once again, law enforcement officials have killed an innocent member of the African American community. Their actions denied a young boy of his father, a mother of her son, and an entire community of a bright source of light and love.
“Five officers have been fired and charged with multiple crimes, including second-degree murder. Two additional officers are on administrative leave related to Nichols’ murder, and callous inaction resulted in the termination of three emergency medical responders. Holding them responsible for their brutality is essential to attain justice for his family, but it will not bring Tyre Nichols back. No consequence is enough to comfort the loved ones left behind.
“In the wake of this unlawful death, a heavy feeling weighs in the chest of every American. There is no room to continue denying the impact racism has on policing and our criminal justice system while the deaths we mourn are routine. Tyre Nichols must not just be another soon-forgotten name in the list of Black lives lost. We cannot allow more tragic losses to be caused by our public safety officers; it is past time to address the systemic issues that disproportionately put our Black neighbors at risk.
“I call for justice for the Nichols family and every family who has suffered wrongful, irreversible harm at the hands of law enforcement. As we protest this and other police brutalities, I ask that we remain peaceful. More violence will only result in further devastation.
“Please join me in sending a prayer to the family of Tyre Nichols and honoring the life he was so unfairly denied.”
