« [He] was 29 years old, and yesterday, my son turned 30, » Johnson said. « So, it really brought it home. Hearing him call out for his mom . it was hard to watch. »
ST. LOUIS — Just 24 hours ago, the Memphis Police Department released the footage in the Tyre Nichols investigation to the public.
Ed. Note: We need to warn you, the images are disturbing and very difficult to watch.
Since its release, the video has sparked protests across the country, including in St. Louis.
Many local officials have weighed in on the disturbing videos. Emotions were high for many on Saturday.
Retired Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain, Ronald Johnson, said the video was ‘tough to watch.’
« The gentleman was 29 years old, and yesterday, my son turned 30, » Johnson said. « So, it really brought it home. Hearing him call out for his mom … it was hard to watch. »
As a father, a Black man, and a former Missouri state trooper, Johnson said, his emotions were high after watching the video of five Memphis police officers fatally beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.
« I think for many in the US, especially of color, it’s the same old, same old, » Johnson said. « I think it has not changed. … It’s kind of making them feel more ingrained about what they’re feeling about law enforcement. For others in America, I think it made them take a second look that maybe it is time to do something different.
