The Black Lives Matter Global Network is speaking out after the release of bodycam footage showing skateboarder Tyre Nichols’ brutal beating.
As with the rest of the world, the BLM Global Network has been left reeling by the murder of Nichols, which was captured on the bodycam footage. The disturbing images were released Friday evening, showing the Black officers punching the 29-year-old and pepper spraying him multiple times as he begged for mercy during that January 7th attack. He tried to flee the vicious group, but each time was chased down, and the beating continued. The young father and aspiring photographer was unarmed and posed no threat to the officials. He passed away on January 10th from his injuries. Each officer has since been charged in connection to his death.
Shortly after the video was released, D’Zhane Parker, a BLM Global Network board member, released a statement on behalf of the organization. In that letter, Nichols was honored as a lifelong skater who was extremely close to his mother. They also slammed people who spent much time focusing on the fact that the officers were African-American.
“Although the media has spent a great amount of time drawing attention to the fact that the police officers are Black, as if that is important, let us be clear: ALL Police represent the interest of capitalism and impel state-sanctioned violence,” the statement read.
Memphis Officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith. They’ve been charged with second-degree murder. In addition, they also face charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.
