Sheriff T.K. Waters ‘shocked and horrified’ by Tyre Nichols’ death
JACKSONVILLE (FLV) – Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters responded to the graphic video footage of Memphis, Tennessee police officers brutally beating Tyre Nichols who died on Jan. 10 after he was pulled over for alleged reckless driving on Jan. 7.
“Like so many Americans, I am shocked and horrified by the images and reports regarding the actions that led to the tragic death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. I have spent over half my life in law enforcement, and the actions of those officers are reprehensible and inexcusable,” Waters said.
29-year-old Nichols was pulled over for what police said was reckless driving. He reportedly attempted to flee on foot and newly released police videos show officers had aggressively beaten Nichols. Three days later, he died in the hospital from “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating.”
“There is no policy in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or any law enforcement agency in this country that permits such brutality. Law enforcement officers are, first and foremost, public servants,” Waters said. “Through their actions, those officers have abandoned their fundamental oaths to serve and protect.”
According to Memphis police Chief Cerelyn Davis, five officers who were “found to be directly responsible” for the attack were fired and have been taken into custody.
The five officers include Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, and Justin Smith. They have each been charged with one count of second-degree murder, two counts of official misconduct, one count of official oppression, one count of aggravated assault while acting in concert, and two counts of aggravated kidnapping in the death of Nichols, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
“I stand with our community in condemning this behavior. Those officers’ actions do not reflect the culture of law enforcement in our agency or in this country. We are a society of laws, and no one is above the law,” Waters said.
“I, along with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office send my deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of Tyree Nichols. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
