A.G. Gancarski
The global outrage over the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police registered in Florida also, where Democrats and Republicans expressed emotions that haven’t been heard since the police murder of George Floyd nearly two years ago.
Orlando Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress, offered a statement Friday night.
“My heart breaks for the Nichols family and for Tyre’s friends and loved ones, who tonight had to watch the violent and senseless murder of someone who should still be with them today,” Frost said. “This video makes clear that our system is not working right now. Body cameras and more training are simply not enough. Police officers abused their power on the job and beat an American to death in our streets.”
U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican and a former sheriff for over a decade, said the actions of the five police officers “go against everything we as law enforcement officials are sworn to uphold.”
“These officers have broken the trust of their community. They did not follow department policy or their training, and they do not represent the thousands of brave men and women who responsibly fill their duty to protect their communities around the nation.”
State Sen. Shevrin Jones offered multiple tweets on the subject, but the shortest of them all points to the seeming randomness of this tragedy.
“He just wanted to get home,” the South Florida Senator said.
Rep. Angie Nixon of Jacksonville was outraged also.
“Yeah. It’s bad. What’s really scary…If #TyreNichols would’ve lived they would’ve done this again. There is no telling how many times they’ve done this before. SMH.”
She wasn’t done condemning the cops: “Dude was on the ground and one of them ran up and kicked him in the face. F*** them.”
Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo, a current candidate for Florida Democratic Party Chair, reflected in the early hours Saturday morning.
“I can’t bring myself to watch the #TyreNicholsVideo Tyre Nichols should be alive today instead of having his life brutally stolen. Remember his life. Remember his humanity. Praying for his family.”
Ben Frazier, the Jacksonville activist and founder of the Northside Coalition, expressed his own outrage.
“The criminal justice system in the United States has failed to live up to the promise of fair and impartial justice for all. Walking, jogging and driving while Black is far too often a fatal encounter for people of color,” the statement issued late Friday asserted.
“It should be noted that not all police officers are doing a bad job but the bullying culture and attitude of a gun and badge by too many bad apples, must be eliminated. It is unfortunate that some officers approach Black people as warriors; and not as servants who are sworn to serve and to protect all citizens.”
11 comments
Andrew Finn
January 28, 2023 at 1:28 pm
These cops were completely wrong. It sure is good that they were all black though, or the BLM “peaceful protesters” would be rioting all over the country. As it is, we will now endure another round of our new “National Pastime” —- PROTESTING !!!!
Joe Corsin
January 28, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Protesting a free and fair election with pepper spray, clubs, and zip ties?
Different
January 29, 2023 at 12:18 pm
White people don’t protest they try to overthrow the government lol
Delaney
January 29, 2023 at 7:08 pm
What do you mean by you glad they were black? Seems like you approve this kind of action towards all black people as long as other black are doing it.
Andrew Finn
January 30, 2023 at 10:42 pm
No – all black involvement simply means less rioting and looting and other “peaceful protesting” we will have to endure.
cassandra
January 31, 2023 at 11:56 am
The BLM “rioting” was under the Trump presidency! Biden is working with all parties to keep protests peaceful, while protecting your First Amendment rights.
Richard
January 28, 2023 at 2:31 pm
It’s funny how many will come out speaking about this tragic. When there’s white officers doing the killing no one speaks their opinion but since it’s all black officers everybody and they momma speaking
Mac Wiseman
January 30, 2023 at 11:37 am
It is interesting watching the media, citizens, and political figures reactions when there is not a black/white racial angle to pour gasoline on. When we break it down to it’s most basic of elements we have a police department totally out of control which needs to be addressed for sure.
But we must acknowledge there are also elements of a black on black crime which is most often shrugged at and swept under the rug in all Democratic run cities.
Look for a short media life on Tyree as compared with Michael Brown and George Floyd.
Andrew Finn
January 30, 2023 at 10:40 pm
Exactly. Had this been another “white on black” episode, we would already be in the start another “Michael Brown – George Floyd Year” featuring rioting and the peaceful protest looting we enjoyed those last two times. Hopefully you are right and this “media circus” will be short-lived.
Ron DeSantis is a Racist
January 31, 2023 at 10:21 pm
Ron DeSantis was seen watching this guy die with a smile on his face.
Ronald Crump
February 2, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Alexa sent out a video of you watching it with your putskie in your hand.
Comments are closed.