This is still the start of the new year. I had planned on writing about something related to goals for 2023. Yet, I find myself asking those who have a prayer life to keep Memphis lifted in prayer. By now, you have heard of the senseless killing of Tyre Nichols through police brutality. There were several people on the scene. They are being held accountable. Five fired police officers face about seven fresh charges, including second degree murder. Two more officers have been relieved of duty pending an investigation.
From the Sky Cop camera and body cam footage that we saw, they just jerked Mr. Nichols out of the car and started beating him. This is why people say it seems personal. There was no, “May we see your license and registration?” There was no, “You were going 55 in a 45 mile per hour zone.” This has not been standard operating procedure in Memphis.
These officers are a part of the now defunct Scorpion Unit that was created two years ago by our fairly new police chief, CJ Davis, to fight street crime. Our district attorney general is moving swiftly. The fire department has even fired two paramedics and a fire lieutenant who were on the scene.
My heart goes out to his family because Tyre knew there was nothing to do but run. They had blood on their minds from the word go. Our young people should not be fearing for their lives. I should not be fearing for my life. I know we need police officers and special units, but they need to put more money into training them.
