Like most Americans, we at the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans were shocked and discouraged when we learned the details regarding the death of Tyre Nichols on January 10, 2023. 

 

The release of video footage showed police officers engaging in clearly criminal conduct, and perhaps more tragically, in dehumanizing behavior.  

 

While the Council is charged with advocating and educating on behalf of Minnesota’s Asian Pacific population, we work closely with our fellow ethnic councils, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs and the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, to move our state forward with strategy and purpose. We abhor and condemn all illegal and dehumanizing conduct—by all people, but especially those who are both empowered and entrusted to provide each one of us with public service and public safety.  

 

One of the lessons that was supposed to have been learned in the past few years was the duty to intervene when one or more officers has crossed the line of ethical conduct.  

 

One officer saying this should stop might have made all the difference. 

 

All of us need effective, responsive, and reliable law enforcement. This tragedy for Tyre and his family might be the stimulus for our law enforcement agencies, and more importantly, our police officers, to make the changes so needed to start rebuilding trust.  

 

At the Council, we stand ready to serve in making these connections possible.  

 

Tyre’s death should not be in vain. Change must happen.