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Louisville marches, prays following fatal police beating of Tyre Nichols

Community activists gathered across the city to march and pray days after Memphis authorities released bodycam video of officers beating Nichols.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Activists in Louisville have gathered in support of Tyre Nichols, two days after body cam video was released showing his violent arrest in Memphis, Tennessee.

Community activists gathered across the city to march and pray.

A group of just over 30 activists marched up Bardstown Road.

Chanting the names of Tyre Nichols and Breonna Taylor, they denounced police brutality—adamant reform has long been stalled.

“We have been out here fighting for justice for so long and yet once again it is slapped in our face that no one cares. No one in the powers at be actually cares at all to change these systems, to fix these systems, to have massive reforms," event organizer Amber Brown said.

WHAS11 News asked what their message was to those mourning the death of Tyre Nichols. They told us a few years ago amid the unrest in Louisville, people in Memphis stood by them. The marchers said they wanted to make sure Memphis knew they have the same support.

"Memphis was here for us when we were out in these streets, so it only makes sense for us to stand here. It only makes sense for us to organize multiple marches and stand in solidarity," Brown said. 

Credit: Nelson Reyes/WHAS-TV
JAN. 29, 2023; Community members in Louisville march on Bardstown Road in wake of the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers.

The support came from across the Metro, as pastors, community leaders and activists gathered at Jefferson Square Park to pray for the family of Trye Nichols and call for peace in Louisville. 

They made it clear they too believe drastic reform is needed but focused on creating a safe space for people to come together, and heal.

Former LMPD officer Ray Barker spoke at the gathering and described the acts of the five Memphis police officers as evil and went on to say there’s only one answer to correct that evil.

"That answer is standing in front of me," he said, looking at the crowd. "That's coming together and standing together as one.

There was also an event held at Jefferson Square Park with pastors, community leaders and activists prayed for the family of Nichols and called for peace in Louisville.

They made it clear they too believe drastic reform is needed, but focused on creating a safe space for people to come together unified and heal.

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