Austin Justice Coalition protests police violence after video footage of Tyre Nichols’ body is released

The Austin Justice Coalition held a rally at the University of Houston-Tillotson against police violence in response to the release of videotape of Tyre Nichols’ death.

The footage shows Nichols being beaten by five Memphis police officers for several minutes earlier this month. Nichols died three days later.

The rally participants remembered Nichols, as well as others killed by the police.

The organizers called the event a place where people can express their anger at another unjust killing by the police.

“What we are continuing to do is unnatural,” Chas Moore, chief executive of the Austin Justice Coalition, said, referring to the gathering following another incident of police violence.

Organizers say they want to support efforts in Memphis to respond to the tragedy and connect with Austin residents to end police violence.

“Oh, to be white and not be afraid of the thought that something terrible could happen to me at this stop,” Moore said.

Some say that the video from the body camera was too difficult to watch. “As soon as I saw the response from the Memphis Police Department and the media hype, I thought, ‘OK, this is one of the worst things we’ve seen in a long time,’” Walter Hill, an attendee, said.

“I don’t have to watch this to remember what this country thinks of people like me,” Moore said.

“I wish I could reach out and stop this. He tried to figure out what to do. It’s excruciating and it’s just one of many,” participant Jan Wenig said, referring to her reaction while watching the video.

Congressman Greg Kasar (D-Texas) was at the rally. He and other participants called for changes in police work.

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“I think it’s time to act. I think there are some actions we could take, especially in this community,” Wenig said. “In terms of prosecution for police crimes, retraining and recruitment criteria for police officers who can handle this role.”

Five Memphis officers were fired and charged with murder. The special SCORPION unit they belonged to was disbanded on Saturday. Scorpion stands for street crime operations to restore peace in our neighborhoods.

“These blacks at that moment did not consider Tyr their brother. He was not in their community. This happened after they realized that they are black because we have never seen justice and I say this with a heavy heart. quotes, move so fast,” Moore said, referring to the police community.

“This is not just a professional mistake. It is the lack of basic humanity towards another person. This incident was disgusting, reckless and inhumane,” Memphis Police Chief Serelyn Davis said two days before the body camera footage was released.

Austin Police Joseph Chacon released the following statement:

“Based on what I know about the incident that took place earlier this month in Memphis, Tennessee, the actions of former officers are appalling and unforgivable. By all accounts, Mr. Tyre Nichols was brutally assaulted by Memphis officers, which resulted in his death. The officers were rightly dismissed and prosecuted.

“I applaud Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis and Memphis officials for their thoughtful and decisive action and for facilitating the speedy criminal investigation. The Austin Police Department also supports the family and friends of Tyre Nichols and extends its sincere condolences.

“As police officers, we take a solemn oath to uphold the constitution and honor the sanctity of human life. The actions of former officers brought shame to the badge and profession, and they betrayed this oath. the work of brave men and women who wear their uniforms with honor and defend our communities daily. This incident will only make it harder to maintain and build public trust in those we serve.

“I confirm that the Austin Police Department will continue the great work we are doing on issues of racial equality and justice, and we will continue to build community trust and strengthen the relationship between our officers and the community we serve.”

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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