Mayor Nancy Backus Statement on Death of Tyre Nichols

I’ve learned Tyre Nichols was a photographer. He was a dad to a 4-year-old son. He loved to skateboard, a passion he had since he was a little boy. He won’t be able to pass that love onto his sweet son. It’s easy for the humanity to get lost on a day like today, when the video of Tyre’s murder was released to millions of waiting eyes, many looking for answers. It’s important, I think, to remember the 29-year-old for who he was.

And at the same time, to condemn the reckless, unconscionable and unlawful action of the law enforcement officers in Memphis.

It’s indefensible what happened that day on January 7. Five police officers are charged with brutally beating Tyre to death after a traffic stop just two minutes from his home. Their actions represent a tarnish on law enforcement across the nation. It’s a disgrace and it leaves a stain on a profession built on respect.

In Auburn, our police department, led by Chief Mark Caillier, strives to be professional and engage in ethical and equitable community policing, while maintaining and honoring the dignity of our community.

Trust is the foundation of law enforcement. That trust has been broken today.

Alongside Chief Caillier, I ask that for those who choose to express their grief or outrage at these events, that you do so peacefully and within the law.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “the ultimate measure of a person is not where one stands in moments of comfort, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy.”

Nancy Backus

Mayor of the City of Auburn