28 January 2023
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita NAACP has released a statement in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died in a hospital after video shows police beating him during a traffic stop.
Five Memphis police officers have been fired, and charged with second-degree murder, among other charges, in the case.
The Wichita Chapter of the NAACP released the following statement before the video was publicly released:
A call to action for police reform, the Wichita Branch NAACP Wichita stands in solidarity with the family of Tyre Nichols, the Memphis community, and the National NAACP. As we prepare our hearts and minds to process another senseless, traumatic police killing, these events have become all too familiar. This situation demonstrates the power dynamic and barbaric underlying culture in policing. The Wichita NAACP will continue to work with our local, state, and national government agencies and legislators to champion sweeping change in law enforcement. .
Wichita chapter of the NAACP
In addition, the following statement was given from the national chapter of the NAACP:
“Our country is once again bracing for the release of another traumatizing video of yet another police killing. If anyone needs to see this video, it’s every single leader in congress. Sit in your comfy leather chair, watch the video when it is released, and tell us what else you need to vote “yes” on police reform. By failing to write a piece of legislation, you’re writing another obituary. By failing to pass the legislation, you’re passing on your sworn duty to protect the people. We know just how much all of you will be thinking and praying.
Upon the release of the video, you don’t need to mention it. Instead, tell us what you’re going to do about it. Tell us what you’re going to do to honor Tyre Nichols. Tell us what you’re going to do to show his family, his loving son, and this entire nation, that his life was not lost in vain. We can name all the victims of police violence, but we can’t name a single law you have passed to address it.”
NAACP
KSN requested an interview with Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. In response, the Wichita Police Department declined our request for an in-person interview but posted a video statement to their social media accounts.
Good evening. As you know, I am Joe Sullivan, Chief of Police for the Wichita Police Department. By now I’m sure many of you have seen the video out of Memphis that shows the horrific beating of Mr. Tyre Nichols. I have seen it as well. Like many of you, I am shocked and sickened by the actions of those officers and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Nichols family.
I want to applaud Chief CJ Davis on her handling of this incident. I also want to ensure the citizens of Wichita that the Wichita Police Department stands by you in your anger, sadness, and frustration with this despicable act of violence committed by 5 human beings who disgraced the badge.
I wish I could say in 40 years of Policing that this is the first time I have seen this type of case, but sadly it’s not. What I can say, is that the Wichita Police Department is not just here for you, we are here with you. We do not support nor defend officers who act like they are above the law and use excessive and unnecessary force against those they swore to protect and serve.
We look forward to many great things we will do in this city in 2023. We look forward to continuing to set the standard for how the community and the police work together. Because the police are the community. We are a community first.
I want to thank you for welcoming me into your community as your Police Chief. I look forward to continuing to lead the great people of the Wichita Police Department.
Thank you.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullian