In a week of violence across the nation that saw 3 mass shootings in less than 2 days, and viral video of police brutality in which five Memphis officers beat and killed a man, there was natural outrage from members of Congress, including freshman Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL).
Another day.
Another shooting.
Another community devastated.True freedom is getting to live without fear of gun violence. pic.twitter.com/Pt1rpukiD8
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) January 27, 2023
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today because our nation continues to have blood on its hands. This week we once again bear witness to the senseless murder of dozens of innocent people, where in states like California, experienced three mass shootings in just 44 hours. How many more sisters, brothers, siblings, parents, grandparents, and loved ones have to be senselessly shot and killed?” stated Rep. Frost during a House floor speech.
Moreover, following the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police during a traffic stop, Frost released a statement on twitter.
Just saw the video of the lynching.
Those police beat Tyre Nichols to death. The change required to build an equitable system will require more than training and body cameras. They bludgeoned him to death while the cameras were on. He should be alive.
— Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) January 28, 2023
“Just saw the video of the lynching. Those police beat Tyre Nichols to death. The change required to build an equitable system will require more than training and body cameras. They bludgeoned him to death while the cameras were on. He should be alive,” tweeted Frost.
The Memphis Police Department disbanded the “Scorpion” unit that the officers who engaged with Nichols were a part of.
According to CNN, riots were expected to happen today (Saturday) in cities such as Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Athens (Georgia), and Columbus (Ohio).
While there is outrage and disdain for the actions of the Memphis police officers, all 5 who engaged with Tyre Nichols were black, according to NBC News.
While some have attempted to make this moment about race, the majority of those marching in protest have argued the death of Nichols is due to a systemic problem in the police force.
