KINGSTON – Three top officials of Ulster County government, Friday, condemned the beating death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis at the hands of former police officers.
In a joint statement, County Executive Jen Metzger, Sheriff Juan Figueroa and Legislature Chairwoman Tracey Bartels said their “hearts break for the family of Tyre Nichols for the tragedy they are experiencing. We are deeply disturbed by what transpired in Memphis and do not condone the misuse of force, and fully expect that our national community will be equally outraged. “
The said the fact that those incidents “disproportionately affect people of color cannot be overlooked, and we must all do better to put an end to such a brutal abuse of power.”
The victim and the former officers involved were all African Americans.
“No human being should be subjected to mistreatment and misuse of force by police, who are sworn to protect and serve all communities equally. The now former police officers who carried out this heinous act of violence must be held to account for their actions.”
The three county officials said they are “thankful that here in Ulster County, our Sheriff’s Office and local police departments have implemented training, programs, and a professional standards unit policy to ensure aberrations of justice such as this do not occur in Ulster County.”
They said Ulster County “is committed to continuing to work with our community, law enforcement, and all those affected to prevent such heinous acts from continuing to scar our nation.”
