Biden calls for peaceful protest and police reform following Tyre Nichols charges

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President Joe Biden urged protesters in Memphis, Tennessee to keep their demonstrations "peaceful" Thursday after five city police officers were charged with second-degree murder relating to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden extended "heartfelt condolences" to Nichols's family and called for a "swift, full, and transparent investigation into his death."

FIVE FORMER MEMPHIS POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED IN DEATH OF TYRE NICHOLS

"As Americans grieve, the Department of Justice conducts its investigation, and state authorities continue their work, I join Tyre’s family in calling for peaceful protest. Outrage is understandable, but violence is never acceptable. Violence is destructive and against the law. It has no place in peaceful protests seeking justice," Biden wrote in a statement. "Public trust is the foundation of public safety and there are still too many places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken. Tyre’s death is a painful reminder that we must do more to ensure that our criminal justice system lives up to the promise of fair and impartial justice, equal treatment, and dignity for all."

The president, citing"the fact that fatal encounters with law enforcement have disparately impacted Black and Brown people," challenged Congress to send the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to his desk to be signed. The bill failed to pass the Senate in the previous Congress.

"To deliver real change, we must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths, and we need to build lasting trust between law enforcement, the vast majority of whom wear the badge honorably, and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect," he closed. "Today, we all must re-commit ourselves to the critical work that must be done to advance meaningful reforms."

Former officers Memphis police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith were charged Thursday with second-degree murder, two counts of official misconduct, one count of official oppression, aggravated assault-act in concert, and two counts of aggravated kidnapping.

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All five officers surrendered and were booked into the Shelby County Jail. They were previously fired for violating policies on excessive use of force, duty to render aid, and duty to intervene, per the Memphis Police Department.

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Tags: Joe Biden, News, police brutality, Criminal Justice Reform, White House, Washington D.C., Tennessee

Original Author: Christian Datoc

Original Location: Biden calls for peaceful protest and police reform following Tyre Nichols charges