San José Officials, Community Leaders Release Statements Condemning Killing of Tyre Nichols

San José Officials, Community Leaders Release Statements Condemning Killing of Tyre Nichols

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2023

Media Contact:

Tasha Dean, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, [email protected]  

SAN JOSÉ, CA – On January 10, 2023, 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, a father, son, and avid skateboarder, died three days after a traffic stop with Memphis, Tennessee police during which he was brutally beaten. Since then, the five Memphis Officers involved have been fired from the department and were indicted on charges including second-degree murder and kidnapping, among others. Officials from the City of San José and community leaders have released the following statements condemning the violence that led to Mr. Nichols’ death:

San José Mayor Matt Mahan
Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis police officers who were sworn to protect the public is beyond comprehension. It is brutal and appalling—and it never should have happened. I am heartbroken that Tyre’s young son will grow up without a father. I am outraged that our Black neighbors, friends and family continue to experience violence at the hands of officers who choose to abuse their power. The immediate response by the Police Chief to fire these men and decision by the grand jury to indict them on second-degree murder charges is exactly how justice should be enacted in cases of police violence—swiftly and absolutely. San Jose is equally committed to holding accountable public servants who abuse their power. I pray that Tyre’s family and our community can heal and find peace. 

Emmanuel Baptist Church San José Pastor, Jason C. Reynolds
Here we are again with black pain and rage on the center stage. As I type, I can feel my heart rate rising and tears welling in my eyes as we draw close to the release of video footage of Memphis Police Officers beating Tyre Nichols to death. Whereas, I understand the need to call for peaceful protests and 'productive' displays of anger, I can't help but wish that equal, if not higher, attention be directed toward changing law enforcement practices and cultures that lead to unnecessary uses of force and the targeting of black and brown communities. Tyre Nichols should still be alive, his mother should still have a son, and his son should still have a father. God help us all!

San José/Silicon Valley NAACP President, Bob Nunez
San Jose stands with the family of Tyre Nichols. We agree that the swift charges brought against the officers should be an example of justice. We are working with our elected officials to ensure that San Jose is a community that we can all feel safe and proud to live in. Please, let your voices be heard, peacefully.

San José City Manager, Jennifer Maguire
The death of Tyre Nichols is a devastating reminder that Black communities are still impacted by injustice. The response to arresting and charging the five Memphis police officers for the death of Tyre Nichols is the right decision. Let us remain vigilant and continue to demand accountability, change, and justice. 

San José Police Chief, Anthony Mata
The circumstances leading to the death of Tyre Nichols and the subsequent arrest of five Memphis Police Officers impacts what we and our profession stand for. I am saddened at this loss of life and believe our justice system must and will hold police officers accountable without favor or delay if they betray the oath we took to support and treat our communities we serve with dignity and respect. I am heartbroken for the Nichols' family, for communities affected across the country, and for how incidents like this impact the countless officers doing a dangerous job with honor and compassion. I have and will continue to be in conversation with our community leaders and the Silicon Valley NAACP as we all process this horrible tragedy. Finally, I support the right to peacefully protest against police injustice but cannot allow violence or vandalism as acceptable expressions of shared outrage. May we all receive the strength and courage to support one another during this difficult time and always.