Tulsa police chief issues statement after graphic video released in Tyre Nichols case

TULSA, Okla. — Politicians and law enforcement officials are critical of Memphis police after the video showing five officers beating Tyre Nichols was made public on Friday.

The footage shows the Black officers savagely beating the 29-year-old FedEx worker for three minutes in an assault following a traffic stop. Nichols later died and the five officers were charged with murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

“My heart weeps for the Nichols family,” Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said in a letter posted on social media. “The video release showing the Memphis officers beating Tyre Nichols to death is appalling and totally goes against all police training. The blows, kicks, and baton strikes by the officers on Mr. Nichols are brutal. Even more disturbing, in my opinion, is the initial response of other officers, supervisors, and paramedics who did not render aid nor did any of them question the force used on Mr. Nichols.”

The lack of intervention by first responders during the incident, Franklin said shows somewhat of a “a cultural acceptance of such abuse among that group of officers.”

Franklin said he continues to be an advocate of training and will continue to hire candidates who are service minded.

“At the Tulsa Police Department, we diligently strive to create an impeccable police department rooted in trust, integrity, and excellence,” Franklin said. “We must have integrity, impeccable morals, good character and accountability in this profession or the public’s trust in law enforcement will continue to erode.”

THE LATEST COVERAGE OF TYRE NICHOLS’ DEATH:

• Tyre Nichols death: Memphis school district cancels Saturday events
• Tyre Nichols death: Incident similar to 1971 case involving 17-year-old Elton Hayes
• Tyre Nichols death: Lora Dene King, daughter of Rodney King, reacts to video
• Tyre Nichols death: Memphis police release bodycam footage
• Tyre Nichols death: Sheriff says 2 deputies relieved of duty after showing up at arrest

©2023 Imagicomm Tulsa, Inc.