Tyre Nichols’ family addresses public before funeral where MLK delivered last speech

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Reverend Al Sharpton joined Tyre Nichols’ family on the eve of his funeral to reflect on the 29-year-old’s death at the historic Mason Temple, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech the night before his assassination 55 years ago.

Reverend Sharpton spoke about what he called a “disciplined” movement toward change in police policies and national law. He also addressed the officers and first responders involved in the arrest of Tyre Nichols.

“You thought that no one would respond. You thought no one would care. Well, tomorrow the Vice President of the United States is coming to his funeral,” Rev. Sharpton said. “People are coming from all over the world, and we’re coming because we’re all Tyre now... and we’re all going to stand with this family.”

The gathering comes the night before Nichols will be laid to rest at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis.

Church officials say Sharpton will deliver a eulogy.

Following the release of body camera footage of the beating on Friday night, Memphis authorities disbanded the SCORPION Unit involved in his death. That came after five officers involved in the Jan. 7 beating, which led to Nichols’ death three days later, were fired and charged with murder earlier in the week.

On Monday, the department relieved two additional officers of their duty, while the fire department fired three first responders involved in the incident.

Other victims of the Memphis SCORPION Unit, who allege they were brutalized before Nichols, will address the media Wednesday.

Nichols’ family once again asked that any protests or demonstrations remain peaceful.

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