Illinois reacts to Tyre Nichols video showing fatal Memphis traffic stop

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also addressed the video release:

“As a Black mother, I can only imagine the pain, grief, and frustration that is consuming the family of Tyre Nichols and the entire Memphis community. Make no mistake: what happened to Tyre was a horrific, unconscionable, and preventable act of violence carried out by those sworn to serve and protect. As we know all too well, tragic incidents like these not only send ripples of anguish across our country, but further erode trust between law enforcement and communities—especially those that are Black and Brown. Knowing that today’s news will reopen painful wounds for all those who loved Tyre, I urge everyone who is rightfully calling for justice to express themselves peacefully.  Seeing a Black man murdered by the police will always spark feelings of outrage, pain, and despair. It’s important for us to channel those emotions into working together and ensuring that as a nation, we continue to hold our law enforcement officers to the highest standards of ethical, professional and constitutional policing.  It is dismaying that these officers were young in their profession and men of color themselves.  It’s clear that there is much more systemic work that must be done. In the meantime, my prayers continue to be with Tyre’s family, friends, community as well as the other residents of Memphis as they continue to cope with this unimaginable loss.” 

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said Friday that Tyre Nichols “deserved the privilege of seeing his son grow up and spending his life with those who love him. He deserved to live.”