PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, after Tennessee authorities released video of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by five former police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

“I am sickened by the heinous murder of Tyre Nichols.  The former police officers involved have been fired and charged with murder.  Others who failed to intervene should be held accountable as well.  Justice must be served.  More work and reform is needed to prevent excessive force and police brutality and build trust between local law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect.  We must demand transparency and accountability and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to public safety.

“Our hearts are with the Nichols family and other families who have lost loved ones to police brutality.

“We need to stop people who abuse power and positions of trust.  Those same people do a disservice to committed and honorable law enforcement personnel.

“This is a time for the community to come together peacefully and for state legislatures and Congress to enact lasting, meaningful change.  The anger and outrage is understandable, but I join the Nichols family in urging demonstrations to be peaceful.”