Array
Mayor Eric Adams told New Yorkers that the police officers in Memphis charged in the horrific beating death of a Tyre Nichols, who was pulled over in a traffic stop, had “betrayed” their profession as he called for calm on the streets of the Big Apple in the coming days.
“As a human, I’m devastated; as a mayor, I am outraged,” said Adams.
“As someone who spent decades fighting for police diversity and against police abuse, I feel betrayed by these officers.”
Hizzoner’s remarks came as the nation sat on edge awaiting the release of the chilling video, which was expected to occur later Friday, that authorities in Tennessee have described as “absolutely appalling.”
Both the 29-year-old victim and the five cops involved are black. Prosecutors in the state have already charged the quintet with second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and official misconduct.
During the short speech, Adams drew direct connections between the unfolding scenes a thousand of miles away and his own biography — as a victim of police violence, turned police officer who campaigned for reform in then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s NYPD — as he appealed for any Big Apple protests to remain peaceful and for police to show restraint.
