Baltimore, Md. (Jan. 27, 2023) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates, Police Commissioner Michael S. Harrison, and Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Director Shantay Jackson released the following statement in response to recently released body camera footage from the tragic death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tenn.

"The death of Tyre Nichols is a stark reminder of the brutality Black people continue to face daily in this country and how much work remains for us to value Black American lives. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn the loss of their son and demand justice for his untimely death. His family should not have to endure the heartache of losing a loved one at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve their community.

We want to applaud the swift action taken by the Shelby County District Attorney to charge all five officers who participated in the killing of Mr. Nichols. Justice demands accountability for this vile act and accountability for all instances of police misconduct across the country. 

For those who may choose to grieve or begin their healing processes by exercising their 1st Amendment right to protest, we encourage you to honor the wishes of the Nichols family and do so without the further perpetuation of violence and trauma. With this in mind, we will be partnering to ensure that a safe environment exists for everyone. This moment should also serve as a reminder of the immediate need for nationwide police reform policy and practices to enshrine constitutional and ethical law enforcement. 

The City of Baltimore, the Office of the State’s Attorney, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, and the Baltimore Police Department stand against all forms of police misconduct and violence in our communities. Together we can do better. We must do better. We will do better."

Mayor Brandon M. Scott
State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates
Police Commissioner Michael S. Harrison
Shantay Jackson, Director, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement

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