National Urban League Commends U.S. Justice Department Prosecution of Former Memphis Police in Connection with Tyre Nichols Killing

NEW YORK (September 9, 2023) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today commended the U.S. Justice Department's indictment of the former Memphis Police officers who battered Tyre Nichols to death in January.

"The brutality inflicted on Tyre Nichols was a betrayal not only of the officers' sworn duty to protect and serve, but of basic human decency," Morial said. "While we are dismayed that such action on the part of the Justice Department should be necessary, we are proud of its commitment to hold every law enforcement officer and agency accountable for their actions.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Assistant A.G. for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney for Tennessee's Western District Kevin Ritz, and to the men and women of the federal grand jury who confronted the officer's heinous acts and pursued justice for Tyre."