Pleasanton Leaders Denounce 'Inexcusable' Death Of Tyre Nichols

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton city officials condemned the “reprehensible actions” of the police officers involved in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

“Let us be clear and direct about where the City of Pleasanton stands: the death of Tyre Nichols is inexcusable. With others, we grieve for Tyre Nichols, for his family and friends, and for the Memphis community,” reads a letter released Saturday signed by the Pleasanton Mayor and City Council, City Manager, Police Chief, and Police Officers Association.

Much of the letter is written from the perspective of the Pleasanton Police Department:

“The Pleasanton Police Department joins departments across the country in being angered by and in condemning the reprehensible actions of the officers involved. The video shows those officers betraying their oaths to protect and serve. We strive, on each and every call, to always model excellence; we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve as guardians with compassion, empathy and respect in each opportunity we serve. We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and collective work to ensure that we reflect the community we strive to be.”

Police departments across the country have expressed similar sentiments, saying they are “horrified,” repulsed,” and “outraged” by the “inhumane” beating of Tyre Nichols.

San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson and President of the San Ramon Police Officers Association Sergeant Mark Holland issued a lengthy letter to the community calling the Memphis officers’ actions “unfathomable,” “disgusting,” “unjust,” and “criminal,” in addition to other descriptors, and invited the community to an open house Wednesday for further discussion.

Nichols was killed Jan. 7 in Memphis after officers pulled him over for alleged reckless driving. Body cam footage shows officers pulling him from his car, and using pepper spray and a taser on him. Nichols fled, but then officers beat him for about three minutes with a baton. No video shows him striking back. The officers were fired Jan. 20 and arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, assault and misconduct.

The videos caused widespread outrage on a scale not seen since the killing of George Floyd in 2020. On Sunday, several hundred protesters marched peacefully through downtown Oakland, and on Saturday, hundreds marched through San Francisco.