Community leaders react to death of Tyre Nichols, demand change

MINNEAPOLIS — The discharge of a video exhibiting the demise of Tyre Nichols has evoked sturdy reactions throughout the nation. Demonstrators are calling for justice in a number of cities Saturday evening together with Boston, Charlotte, and right here in Minnesota.

The 29-year-old died three days after he was crushed by police in a site visitors cease earlier this month. 5 of the officers concerned have been fired and charged with second-degree homicide.

The response to that police video was particularly sturdy right here in Minneapolis right now.

Neighborhood leaders and activists who took to the streets after the homicide of George Floyd say their work stays unfinished… and plan on holding the newly-elected Democratic majority accountable for what occurs subsequent with policing in Minnesota. 

“It would not matter how a lot you comply, the police are going to do what they will do,” mentioned xxx.

The video of Tyre Nichols’ demise was unwatchable for some members of the Minneapolis neighborhood. For others, it was a sickening reminder of an analogous video taken in Could 2020.

“That video is a transparent indication that nothing has modified on this nation in the case of police departments throughout this nation. Nothing has basically modified,” mentioned Jaylani Hussein, Government Director of CAIR-Minnesota.

“It doesn’t matter that the officers have been Black. In that incident, they have been blue. That is what we have to acknowledge: this is part of a blue tradition,” mentioned Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights legal professional.

“We now have to demand that the adjustments that ought to have been made after George Floyd was murdered truly get made,” mentioned Michelle Gross, President of Communities United In opposition to Police Brutality.

At a press convention Saturday morning, neighborhood leaders and activists mentioned they could not assist however marvel if Tyre Nichols would nonetheless be alive if extra had been accomplished by elected leaders from each events, domestically and nationally.

“Tyre Nichols was murdered as a result of Minnesota failed. We might have proven the nation that we are able to truly cross laws to carry police accountable. As an alternative, we used politics, partisans to not cross a single coverage,” mentioned Hussein.

However with Democrats now controlling all three branches of Minnesota’s authorities, these activists say they’re going to be pushing for extra motion with extra urgency.

“We want the legal professional normal, the governor and the legislature to do their rattling jobs — to cross the kind of laws that sends a message to the remainder of the nation that the time for change is lengthy overdue,” mentioned Levy Armstrong.

With the legislature at the moment in session, these neighborhood leaders and activists say they’re going to be heading to the state capitol on Monday to start pushing politicians for motion.