Cape Cod Police Chief: Fired Memphis Officers 'Disgraced' Profession

WELLFLEET, MA — The killing of Memphis resident Tyre Nichols has sent shockwaves across the country as America awaits the release of video footage from his fatal encounter with police.

Five Memphis police officers have been fired and charged with murder and other crimes. They are Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith.

Cape Cod's law enforcement community is reacting to the news of the firings, and Wellfleet Police Chief Michael Hurley released a statement in strong defense of the charges filed against the officers and their termination from the Memphis police force.

His statement, first published on Facebook, is included in full below:

First and foremost, our hearts go out to the Nichols family and the residents of Memphis. Once again, we are discussing the unnecessary and unspeakable death of a black male at the hands of a group of police officers. The unthinkable actions of these cowardly officers have again shaken the law enforcement community. I am infuriated and outraged, along with every member of the Wellfleet Police Department, on the unnecessary and brutal death of Tyre Nichols. This again will cause the community pain, outrage, and frustration as we all try to understand how this continues to happen.

The individuals involved have rightly been fired and criminally charged in the death of Tyre Nichols. There is no excuse for their actions. They have betrayed their oath of office, disgraced the law enforcement profession, and brought shame on the officers across the nation who work selflessly each day to protect their communities.

Our hearts are broken, and we are pausing as a department to reflect on our mission of policing with compassion. The Wellfleet Police Department remains committed to emphasizing dignity and respect for all along with the preservation of human life. The dialogue must continue within our community between advocacy groups, elected officials and others to build a future that ensures dignity, security, and justice for all. We take the trust and faith you instill in us very seriously and believe that we need to hold ourselves to the highest standard possible.

Video footage of the encounter is slated to be released sometime on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told a news conference that although the officers each played different roles in the killing, "they are all responsible."

The officers each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

Video of the Jan. 7 traffic stop will be released to the public sometime Friday evening, Mulroy said. Nichols' family and their lawyers say the footage shows officers savagely beating the 29-year-old father and FedEx worker for three minutes, according to the Associated Press.

This story includes reporting from The Associated Press.