Annapolis, MD (January 27, 2023) - Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman issued the following statement after the release of footage showing Tyre Nichols’ violent arrest.
“America and Anne Arundel County are weeping tonight, as am I and my wife Erin.
“We saw the worst of humanity in the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers, and we saw the best of humanity in the response of his mother, Mrs. RowVaughn Wells.
“Her love for her son, and his love for her are a heart-wrenching inspiration. Her ability to call for peace amidst the loss, and to commend her police chief and district attorney while condemning the officers’ actions, even while expressing sadness toward them and their families, is an extraordinary example for the rest of us to follow.
“I, and I hope others, will take to heart the words of our Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal Awad: “The answer does not exist in division and violence. The answer rests within us all to unite, to wrap our arms around this family, to uplift and support this family, to uplift and support one another, and continue the necessary work to prevent another tragedy.”
“Despite what happened in Memphis I know that in Maryland and in Anne Arundel County, we will make progress. Our communities are engaged, our elected leaders are engaged, our law enforcement agencies are engaged, and this incident will only inspire us to work harder toward peace.”
Annapolis, MD (January 27, 2023) - Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal Awad issued the following statement after the release of footage showing Tyre Nichols’ violent arrest.
“A mother and her family are left to mourn the senseless loss of a beloved son, Tyre Nichols.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his mother, Mrs. RowVaughn Wells, his family, and to all who knew and loved him.
“We are all left with feelings of grief, dismay, and trauma.
“We stand with Chief Cerelyn Davis and the men and women of the Memphis Police Department, denouncing these cruel and heartless criminal acts against Mr. Nichols, and applaud them for taking deliberate action after thoroughly reviewing the facts presented before them.
“Five individuals made a promise to the community by oath to uphold the laws of the state of Tennessee and Constitution of the United States: individuals that the community entrusted to safeguard and serve without malice.
“These five individuals’ actions are not representative of the hundreds of thousands of law enforcement professionals who answer the call to serve, and who remain selflessly invested in our communities every day.
“Our communities are hurting, we are hurting.
“The answer does not exist in division and violence. The answer rests within us all to unite, to wrap our arms around this family, to uplift and support this family, to uplift and support one another, and continue the necessary work to prevent another tragedy.
“Mrs. Wells, her family, and Chief Davis have asked for peaceful protests in honor of Tyre. We ask for the same: peace, calm, and resolve.”