Connecticut officials are reacting to the deadly encounter between several officers and Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee after videos of the incident were released to the public.
"Those five officers broke their solemn oath to protect and serve. They betrayed the entire profession for all of us who put on a badge everyday to proudly protect and serve."
In a statement issued on behalf of Connecticut State Police and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, state officials say the officers should be held accountable for their actions.
The video is available here. Warning: It shows graphic violence that could be disturbing.
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The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association called the encounter incomprehensible, saying they share in the outrage of Nichols' family, the Memphis community and the country.
"The actions of others, and equally as disturbing, the inaction of others, is inexcusable and an insult to the work of hundreds of thousands of police officers who do their jobs to the best of their abilities in service to their communities each and every day," the association said in a statement.
The association said they're committed to providing the highest level of professional police service to residents.
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"We are proud of the men and women that we lead and believe wholeheartedly that they share our vision of public safety and the preservation of life," the association wrote.
In a statement, Governor Ned Lamont said, "Tyre Nichols should be alive today. His life matters, and my heart breaks for his family, friends, and loved ones. His last word was ‘mom."
"I was struck by the beautiful photos taken by Tyre, which serve as a stark contrast to the horrifying video and images released last night. His family and our nation deserve a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation. We cannot continue this way. We must create a more just society for everyone. I’m committed to continuing that work here in Connecticut," Lamont added.
Local police departments shared the same sentiment. New London Police described the incident as exceedingly tragic and heartbreaking.
The Farmington Police Department said they support the "fair and considerate treatment of everyone."
Stamford Police said they share the same anger that the community feels, saying there are no words to describe what transpired.
Torrington Police said the actions of the officers were deplorable, sickening and inhumane.
Meriden Police Department said the officers in Memphis "demonstrated a clear abuse of power, the use of excessive deadly force and a lack of basic human decency." "Their actions are reprehensible and tarnish the badge of every conscientious and hardworking police officer throughout this great nation," they added in part in a statement.
Hartford Police Department Chief Jason Thody said what happened in Memphis is an outrage. "What those officers in Memphis did was deplorable and a fundamental violation of the oath they swore to uphold. In this case, those sworn to protect and maintain public safety became violent criminals while wearing a badge of public trust," he said in part in a statement.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Police Chief Karl Jacobson released a joint statement about the incident saying in part, "the heinous beating, treatment and murder of Tyre Nichols by officers of the Memphis Police Department is both sickening and enraging – and, like others, we watched the videos that were released last night with horror and disgust.
Danbury Mayor Dean Esposito and Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour also agree saying in part, "The video is appalling. Appropriately, these officers have already been terminated, arrested, and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There is no rightful place in this profession for brutality under any circumstances."
Protesters gathered following the release of video footage Friday night.
