Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao released the following statement in advance of the release of the Memphis police video of the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols. The five officers responsible have been charged with murder and other felonies:
“Tyre Nichols should be with us today. It is wrong and horrifying that this young man was killed. It hurts me to know Tyre's family had to see a video of their son and loved one being brutally beaten and will likely see it again and again in the days ahead. I cannot imagine their pain. It is traumatic and it is understandable that Americans all over our nation are angry and disgusted. I hope that the serious charges against the officers who killed him will bring a measure of justice to his family and I know all of Oakland stands with them today.
“Tyre’s mother said last night, ‘I want each and every one of you to protest in peace,’ and I urge all Oaklanders to respect her wishes. We stand with Tyre Nichols’ family.”
Oakland cares about the safety and well being of every member of our community.
We understand the video of the attack includes disturbing and hateful material. Anyone who feels themselves in crisis is urged to call the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.
Locally, help can also be accessed by contacting Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) via 911 or email at macro@oaklandca.gov
The Oakland Police Department has increased staffing through the weekend for both Lunar New Year events as well as to provide a safe space for demonstrations should they occur.
The Department of Violence Prevention supports a number of organizations devoted to community healing and restoration. To learn more about those, please visit: https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/community-healing-restoration