Social media are bombarded with posts reacting to the death of Tyre Nichols over police brutality. The 29-year-old man was arrested by the Memphis police department on January 7, following a severe pounding, and died three days later in a hospital.
“Change is needed at all levels and we all need to do our part. We can’t lose our humanity as a society. To the Nichols’ family and Memphis community, my heart is with you tonight”, tweeted Chris Paul, an American professional basketball player in the NBA, showing his anguish on social media.
He was not the only one to react to police brutality. “The senseless loss of life for Tyre Nichols has really hit us hard,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said pregame in an interview with local broadcast partner Bally Sports (via the Associated Press). He also added that, “It’s been tough being on the road, not being home. I wish I could extend my arms through this camera right now to the family. They’re going through a lot.”
Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota, Milwaukee, and stars like Lebron James all continued to show their support to Mr. Nichols’ family and reacted against the police savagery.
Five officers involved in the crime have been fired and charged with homicide. The bodycam footage circled on social media shows that the young man was brutally beaten as he was nearing his house.
