"Outrage" From Union County Police Chiefs After Tyre Nichols' Death

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Local police officials are condemning the death of Memphis man Tyre Nichols at the hands of five officers, and telling residents they will work to prevent similar tragedies.

Nichols, an aspiring photographer, was pulled over near his home on Jan. 7, but not charged with a crime. He died three days after being beaten by Memphis police officers, officials say. The five officers face second-degree murder charges.

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. More: DA: 5 Memphis Cops 'All Responsible' For Tyre Nichols' Death

The Union County Police Chief's Association said it supports the charging of the officers, and said their actions do not represent the "expected standards of morals, ethics, and training of police officers nationwide."

The Police Chiefs Association consists of law enforcement officials around Union County.

"Our association is saddened at the events as they unfolded and sends our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Nichols," said the Association in a statement signed by Chief Giacomo Sacca of the Elizabeth Police Department. "In the face of this hardship and heartache, our members wish to express our outrage and affirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of policing within our County."

"Our organization works tirelessly to ensure that tragedies like the one that unfolded in Memphis, TN, on January 7, 2023, do not develop," the association continued. "The appalling incident leading to the loss of Mr. Nichols' life shall remind us that our efforts must focus on and lead to the eradication of police brutality."