Public Comment

The police officers responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols death belonged to a rogue unit called the “scorpion” which was closed immediately following his death. The last few minutes of his life was similar to the death of George Floyd. So, who are the guilty? 

1. The five police officers who pepper sprayed and pummeled Nichols until his death. They showed no remorse and gave each other high fives and fist bumps boasting about the gruesome murder. 2. The EMT personnel who sat idly by refusing to administer first aid while Nichols was writhing with pain. 

3. . The Memphis police department who was expecting praise for disbanding the “killer unit” they established. This is much like a fire department expecting credit for a fire they started! 

4. It is a well-known fact that police departments generate up to 55 percent of their revenue from traffic stops. The fact that the guilty officers were black is indicative of systemic racism in police departments. Over 55 percent of the guilty escape punishment because they are vigorously defended or reassigned by their powerful unions. 

5. Traffic stop victims are invariably black. 

Finally, America is not great. It will be great when black men feel safe driving in America and if stopped for legitimate reasons are treated with humanity and dignity.