‘It’s absolutely disgusting’: Central Texas organization and law enforcement respond to video released by Memphis police

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Horrifying body camera footage captured by Memphis police on the night Tyre Nichols was brutally beaten by five officers has garnered national attention, including in central Texas.

The president of the NAACP branch in Killeen says he is shocked and appalled by the officers’ actions, and a local police chief agrees.

“It was unnecessary, unnecessary and absolutely disgusting,” said TaNeika Multire, with the NAACP in Killeen.

He says that what happened to this 29-year-old man is a problem that destroys families and communities in our country.

“It looks bad on those who are in this profession for the right reasons, doing the right thing,” Moultrie adds.

Our local law enforcement agencies confirm this statement. Chief Cheryl Victorian with the Waco Police Department released a statement Friday night saying:

“I am saddened to hear of yet another tragic and inexplicable death at the hands of members of the police profession. It offends me and others who serve honorably every day that there are men and women who wear the badge and selfishly decide to use excessive force to administer justice. The actions of these individuals are offensive, negatively impact our entire profession, and undermine our daily work to build public trust. Our primary responsibility as law enforcement professionals is the sanctity of life. The behavior of these men now reflects the basic principles of policing or the vast majority of men and women committed to public safety and public service. The Waco Police Department will continue to serve honorably in providing quality police service to our communities, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Nichols.”

Moultrie says she’s in awe, not only as an attorney, but also as a mother.

“To see your child constantly being kicked, hit and punched. Alone on earth, lifeless, hopeless, powerless,” he says.

When KWTX asked her about the protest in response to the video, she says there are better ways to make the change you want to see.

“Let’s think of other ways to come together as a nation to demand justice. #2 to demand change and #3 to keep fighting the fight,” says Moultrie.

Copyright 2023, KWTX. All rights reserved.