‘Shocked,’ ‘Repulsed’ By Tyre Nichols' Death: Metuchen Police Chief

METUCHEN, NJ — The police department in Metuchen released a statement denouncing the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

Authorities in Memphis released more than an hour of footage Friday of the violent beating of Nichols, in which officers held the Black motorist down and struck him repeatedly as he screamed for his mother, the Associated Press reported.

Nichols, 29, died on Jan. 10, three days after a confrontation with officers during a traffic stop. The five police officers involved in the incident were fired and have been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes. More: DA: 5 Memphis Cops 'All Responsible' For Tyre Nichols' Death

Metuchen Police Chief Arthur M Flaherty Sr. said the conduct of the officers was “horrific” and “unlawful.”

“Like all of you, we are shocked and repulsed by this incident. The Metuchen Police Department will continue to remain committed to serving our community we love with honor, integrity, professionalism, compassion, and accountability,” Flaherty said.

“All members of our department have been determined to continue to build meaningful and trusting relationships with those we serve, and we will continue to do so.”

Flaherty said he was committed to transparency and oversight in his department. He promised to “continue to build trusting relationships with all members of our community to ensure equal justice for all. I can assure you that all members of the Metuchen Police Department are dedicated to service and committed to excellence. We will stand side by side with all members of the community that we have sworn to protect from all evils.”

Mayor Jonathan M Busch said he was “horrified” by Nichols' death and it was up to community leaders to ensure residents are treated with dignity.

“This is a delicate time in America and it is incumbent upon leaders in communities throughout the nation to continue to ask ourselves whether we are truly striving to ensure that our residents are being treated with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves,” Busch said in a statement on Facebook.

Ahead of the release of the video, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis said she was "disgusted, "horrified," and "sad" after watching the body camera footage of the traffic stop that led to Nichols' death.

"In my 36 years I would have to say I don't think I've been more horrified and disgusted, sad and to some degree confused," Davis told ABC News.

Over the weekend protests were held in the Tri-State area calling for change in the justice system.

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