Police here must strongly condemn killing of Memphis man by officers, BLM London says
The video of the police beating of Tyre Nichols was released Friday evening
After the video of the beating death of a young Black father by police in Memphis, Tennessee, officers in southwestern Ontario are speaking out about the killing.
But Black Lives Matter organizer Alexandra Kane says the "insensitive" message from London police is an example of just how differently the Black community and police officers see such events.
"This letter [from London police] held no accountability. I was taken aback that they would send something like this. It's insensitive," Kane said. "They're talking about still celebrating Black history month. Don't talk about celebrating when a grown man was murdered."
The police statement, sent to members of the Black community on Wednesday, called the video of the beating of Tyre Nichols, 29, "violent and disturbing" and offered the support of the London police diversity unit to people impacted by the video release.
"I hope that this video does not overshadow the excellent celebrations we have planned for Black History Month or the many collaborations and unity we have created in the past," the statement, written by Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, goes on to say.
Hours after CBC published this story with Kane's concerns, the London police chief released a new statement saying that the "London Police Service condemns any abuse of authority and excessive force or brutality against any person."
But Kane said the original statement's call to keep celebrating black history month was uncalled for.
"As we navigate the aftermath together please ensure that you, your family and members of London's Black Community know that the London Police Service is here to assist and support you. I also offer my contact information to you and others to act as a liaison between the London Police and your agency in hopes that if there is a public gathering we can work together to ensure that all our communities can grieve together peacefully. My condolences to you and your community."
Five Memphis officers were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes. Nichols, a motorist, died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop on Jan. 7. Those who have seen the video say it shows a three-minute beating likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.
Windsor police's statement, written by Chief Jason Bellaire, outright condemns the actions of the Memphis officers.
"The shocking incident has understandably sparked outrage and renewed discussions about police brutality and racial injustice." Bellaire wrote. "I was saddened and appalled by what happened, and on behalf of everyone at the Windsor Police Service, I unequivocally condemn the actions of the officers involved. The abhorrent actions of these officers run contrary to everything we believe in and stand for as a police service."
"The Windsor Police Service reaffirms our commitment to ongoing engagement with community members, especially those from marginalized groups, to ensure we have the trust and confidence of the people we serve. Sometimes, this means having difficult and uncomfortable conversations about systemic racism that exists in policing and the justice system."
Both Windsor and London police services are calling for any protests in the wake of the video's release to be peaceful, something that's not necessary, Kane said.
"We've never held a demonstration that's been violent," she said. "Don't assume that our demonstrations won't be peaceful."
Kane replied to the London police, saying a condemnation of Nichols's death would have carried a more meaningful message.
"These murders will happen and when they do, you must condemn them as horrendous policing," Kane wrote.
The London Police Service statement:
I wanted to let you know that I have heard there will be a disturbing video being released in the next few days by the Memphis Police Department in Tennessee. The video shows the arrest of a black male in Memphis on January 7th who died as a result of injuries he sustained during the arrest.
The video I understand is violent and disturbing and may cause strong emotions from those who view it. The media reports that the officers involved were fired and there is an investigation into the event. On behalf of the London Police Service's Diversity Unit, I want to offer our support to those of you who may be impacted from this video release.
I hope that this video does not overshadow the excellent celebrations we have planned for Black History Month or the many collaborations and unity we have created in the past. As we navigate the aftermath together please ensure that you, your family and members of London's Black Community know that the London Police Service is here to assist and support you.
I also offer my contact information to you and others to act as a liaison between the London Police and your agency in hopes that if there is a public gathering we can work together to ensure that all our communities can grieve together peacefully. My condolences to you and your community.
Windsor Police Service statement:
Dear members of our community,
By now, I am sure many of you have heard about Tyre Nichols' tragic death following an encounter with Memphis police officers. The shocking incident has understandably sparked outrage and renewed discussions about police brutality and racial injustice.
I was saddened and appalled by what happened, and on behalf of everyone at the Windsor Police Service, I unequivocally condemn the actions of the officers involved.
The abhorrent actions of these officers run contrary to everything we believe in and stand for as a police service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols as well as to the entire Memphis community.
Rebuilding relationships, restoring trust
Terrible events like this impact global opinions on police credibility – and it takes a long time to rebuild relationships and restore trust among our community.
The Windsor Police Service reaffirms our commitment to ongoing engagement with community members, especially those from marginalized groups, to ensure we have the trust and confidence of the people we serve. Sometimes, this means having difficult and uncomfortable conversations about systemic racism that exists in policing and the justice system. These discussions may involve shared emotions of anger, sadness, and uncertainty.
While these interactions are not always easy, they are vital to ensure everyone in our community is safe and feels safe.
Respecting your right to peaceful protest
I understand and respect that members of our local community may want to gather in protest in response to Tyre Nichols' death. Please know that our police service will work with any community groups who plan to do so to ensure everyone can exercise their rights in a manner that is lawful, peaceful, and safe.
I urge all involved in these demonstrations to not jeopardize public peace, endanger others, or purposefully participate in illegal acts. We will continue to work with you to keep the communities of Windsor and Amherstburg safe places to live, work and visit.
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