GA Responds, Prepares For Release Of Tyre Nichols Video

GEORGIA — Some Georgia authorities have condemned the actions of five Memphis officers who were charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols and said they are standing ready to respond to possible protests in light of Friday's release of video footage in the case.

The officers, who are all Black, each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Video of the Jan. 7 traffic stop was released to the public Friday evening. (Warning: Viewer discretion is advised for the video.)

Nichols' family and their lawyers say the footage shows officers savagely beating the 29-year-old father and FedEx worker for three minutes.

Nichols' family has asked for protests to be peaceful. The family's legal team likened the beating to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.

News of the video's release comes shortly after Gov. Brian Kemp declared state of emergency across Georgia Thursday due to recent protests in East Atlanta and downtown Atlanta over the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known as "Cop City."

Protesters have been clashing with police for more than year over the construction of the training center as they seek to protect the land and the forest on the site. A Georgia State Patrol trooper was shot on Jan. 18 during a joint task force operation to clear out the site. The person accused of shooting the trooper was shot and killed by police. A subsequent protest was held on Jan. 21 in downtown Atlanta in the name of Tortuguita, the person accused in the shooting of the state trooper. A subsection of the protest turned violent when masked activists dressed in all black threw rocks and lit fireworks in front of a skyscraper that houses the Atlanta Police Foundation, shattering large glass windows. They then lit a police cruiser on fire, smashed more windows and vandalized walls with anti-police graffiti as stunned tourists scattered.

The state of emergency ends at 11:59 p.m., Feb. 9.

>> READ MORE: Protest Over Death Of Activist At 'Cop City' Turns Violent In Atlanta

Georgia Leaders Respond

Some authorities in Georgia say the actions of the Memphis officers were not indicative of authentic law enforcement training.

"The more we learn about the death (of) Tyre Nichols, the more it becomes clear that the officers’ actions were inexcusable and represent an appalling display of excessive use of force," Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said in a statement.

"When the video is released, it will be incredibly difficult to watch. The unjustified actions taken by those officers are absolutely inconsistent with any law enforcement training or procedures. Cases like this must not only be condemned by the community but also by law enforcement leadership. Those who are sworn to protect and serve should be held to the highest standard. Law enforcement is a noble profession but when even a small percentage of officers fail to uphold their oath it fractures public trust. We are much better and much safer when law enforcement and the community that we serve work together."

Labat called for prosecution of the five Memphis officers "to the fullest extent of the law" and said the case is not reflective of all law-enforcement officers.

"Our heartfelt prayers are with Tyre’s family, Chief Cerelyn 'C.J.' Davis and the entire Memphis Police Department. ... As the sheriff of Fulton County, I can assure residents that our goal is always to protect and serve with proficient training, professionalism integrity, compassion and honor," Labat said.

Leaders in Cobb County held a news conference Friday afternoon to share their responses to the death of Nichols and the upcoming video release.

Local police chiefs, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, Cobb County Sheriff Craig D. Owens and representatives from local civil rights groups gathered at the Cobb County Sheriff's Office.

"Very seldom do we address ... matters like this outside of our jurisdiction, but we thought it was important today to show you that Cobb County is united in (its) purpose of making sure that we do things right," Broady said.

"I truly believe that we have the best law-enforcement officers in all the country here in Cobb County, and when I look at these chiefs here before you, I know they're focused on doing the right thing. They do not tolerate injustice. They do not tolerate police brutality. They're all about doing the right thing all the time, and they know they will hold their officers accountable if they don't do the right thing; and, if they don't do the right thing, they know I will hold them accountable."

Owens asked for people to honor Nichols' memory in an uplifting way and to not tear down local communities.

"I am a husband and I am a father," he said. "I know the love that parents have for their children, and I can't imagine the pain that the Nichols family is going through at this time. ... Let's make this peaceful and justice will be served in a timely fashion."

Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoosier said it is offensive and problematic when officers violate rights of, assault and kill (people).

"It's an injustice against society," he said. "It's an injustice against humankind. It's terrible for us as police officers. We stand strongly against it and we will not tolerate it."

VanHoosier said Cobb authorities support peaceful protests and that authorities have spent the last few days collaborating and combining manpower ahead of Friday's video release.

Kennesaw Police Chief Bill Westenberger, Smyrna Police Chief Keith Zgonc, Austell Police Chief Scott Hamilton, Powder Springs Police Chief Lane Cadwell and Marietta Deputy Chief Tanya Twadell were also present at the news conference.

Georgia Prepares

The Atlanta Police Department said in a statement the department is monitoring the events in Memphis and is preparing to support peaceful protests in Atlanta.

"We understand and share in the outrage surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols. Police officers are expected to conduct themselves in a compassionate, competent and constitutional manner, and these officers failed Tyre, their communities and their profession. We ask that demonstrations be safe and peaceful," police said in a statement.

Sandy Springs Police Maj. Mike Lindstrom told Patch his respective department is monitoring activities in the area.

"We will continue to answer 911 calls for service and respond to those calls accordingly," Lindstrom said.

Marietta Police Public Information Officer Charles McPhilamy told Patch the Marietta Police Department is not particularly preparing for the video release and is willing to work with people who wish to peacefully protest.

"MPD is proud of the relationship we have established with our residents and business owners. As we have done in the past, we will be happy to work with any individuals or organizations that may want to peacefully march or protest once the Tyre Nichols video is released," McPhilamy said.

"While no one in our agency has seen the video, we have read multiple news reports quoting officials in Tennessee that have called the Memphis officer’s actions criminal and inappropriate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Nichols family, as well as everyone touched by the tragic and senseless death of Tyre. No one despises bad officer conduct more than good officers, who come to work each day honoring their oath of office to protect and serve the community. While no specific plans are being made in preparation of the video release, we want the public to know that violence and damage to property will not be tolerated in our community."

Gwinnett County Master Police Officer Hideshi Valle told Patch the Gwinnett County Police Department has remained in contact with city agencies and the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office ahead of the video release.

"We will continue to monitor events and information," Valle said. "Gwinnett Police is ready to use all available resources and work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies in the county to ensure the safety of our citizens and their property."

Woodstock Police Officer Brittany Page told Patch the Woodstock Police Department has made on-duty officers Friday evening aware of the release and the potential for protests.

"If Woodstock experiences protests or demonstrations, additional officers may be added to shifts to ensure the safety of the protestors and to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful," Page said.

Paulding County Sgt. Ashley Henson told Patch though Paulding County does not usually have issues with violent protests and deputies will continue patrolling the community as they do on their daily shifts.

"If additional resources are needed, we will have them on standby and ready to respond," Henson said.

The Associated Press contributing reporting and writing.