AFT’s Weingarten on Murder of Tyre Nichols

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement condemning the death of Tyre Nichols:

“Tyre Nichols should be alive today, riding on his skateboard. Instead, his family and friends are mourning his violent death. His life mattered. Black lives matter. Tonight, I am praying for his family and friends to find peace, and for Tyre's memory to be a blessing.

“The protection of and respect for human life should be the fundamental principle that guides all American policing—but, once again, that responsibility has been cast aside in the most violent, craven and excruciating way imaginable.

“We should call on our better angels and demand the world that we deserve: one free of moments like this. Just as we marched for Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and the many others who have died unjustly at the hands of the police, we call for justice today. We will not stop organizing until the change our nation is demanding is realized.”