Halifax police chief releases statement on fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis
“I condemn the actions of the officers who committed these heinous acts and those who stood and watched,” said Dan Kinsella
Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella has released a statement condemning the “brutal caning” of a black man during a traffic stop in the United States.
Authorities in Memphis, Tennessee have released footage of officers holding down Tire Nichols and repeatedly hitting him as he cried out for his mother.
After the beating, officers walked around for minutes with Nichols propped against a car, then slumped onto the street.
Nichols died three days after the January 7 confrontation.
In a press release issued Monday morning, Kinsella called the incident “deeply disturbing.”
“I condemn the actions of the officers who committed these heinous acts and those who stood and watched,” the police chief said. “It is heartbreaking to know that officials, who took an oath to serve and protect, have caused such excruciating pain and injury to this young man, a beloved son and father.”
“These actions neither reflect nor define the service of hundreds of thousands of police officers. But we know the actions of these officers will hurt confidence in the entire profession.”
The Memphis Police Department officers, all black, have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes.
Kinsella said the Halifax Regional Police “supports and commends the Memphis Police Department’s speedy efforts to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.”
Other police chiefs in Canada have also commented on Nichols’ death.
Halifax Regional Police Commissioner Dan Kinsella’s full statement on the beating death of Tire Nichols:
“The details and video of the brutal beating and subsequent death of Tire Nichols of Memphis are deeply disturbing. On behalf of the Halifax Regional Police, I condemn the actions of the officers who committed these heinous acts and those who stood and watched. It is heartbreaking to know that officials, sworn to serve and protect, have caused such excruciating pain and injury to this young man, a beloved son and father.”
“These actions neither reflect nor define the service of hundreds of thousands of police officers. But we know that the actions of these officials will affect trust in the entire profession.
“We support and commend the Memphis Police Department’s speedy efforts to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tire’s family – we send them our condolences. We offer our fellow citizens our deepest support. We stand by you during this difficult time.”
With files from Canadian Press
