Police here must strongly condemn killing of Memphis man by officers, BLM London says
CBC
After the video of the beating death of a young Black father by police in Memphis, Tennessee, officers in southwestern Ontario are speaking out about the killing.
But Black Lives Matter organizer Alexandra Kane says the "insensitive" message from London police is an example of just how differently the Black community and police officers see such events.
"This letter [from London police] held no accountability. I was taken aback that they would send something like this. It's insensitive," Kane said. "They're talking about still celebrating Black history month. Don't talk about celebrating when a grown man was murdered."
The police statement, sent to members of the Black community on Wednesday, called the video of the beating of Tyre Nichols, 29, "violent and disturbing" and offered the support of the London police diversity unit to people impacted by the video release.
"I hope that this video does not overshadow the excellent celebrations we have planned for Black History Month or the many collaborations and unity we have created in the past," the statement, written by Staff Sgt. Robert Brown, goes on to say.
Hours after CBC published this story with Kane's concerns, the London police chief released a new statement saying that the "London Police Service condemns any abuse of authority and excessive force or brutality against any person."
But Kane said the original statement's call to keep celebrating black history month was uncalled for.
"As we navigate the aftermath together please ensure that you, your family and members of London's Black Community know that the London Police Service is here to assist and support you. I also offer my contact information to you and others to act as a liaison between the London Police and your agency in hopes that if there is a public gathering we can work together to ensure that all our communities can grieve together peacefully. My condolences to you and your community."
Five Memphis officers were charged Thursday with murder and other crimes. Nichols, a motorist, died three days after a confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop on Jan. 7. Those who have seen the video say it shows a three-minute beating likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.
Windsor police's statement, written by Chief Jason Bellaire, outright condemns the actions of the Memphis officers.
"The shocking incident has understandably sparked outrage and renewed discussions about police brutality and racial injustice." Bellaire wrote. "I was saddened and appalled by what happened, and on behalf of everyone at the Windsor Police Service, I unequivocally condemn the actions of the officers involved. The abhorrent actions of these officers run contrary to everything we believe in and stand for as a police service."
"The Windsor Police Service reaffirms our commitment to ongoing engagement with community members, especially those from marginalized groups, to ensure we have the trust and confidence of the people we serve. Sometimes, this means having difficult and uncomfortable conversations about systemic racism that exists in policing and the justice system."
Both Windsor and London police services are calling for any protests in the wake of the video's release to be peaceful, something that's not necessary, Kane said.
"We've never held a demonstration that's been violent," she said. "Don't assume that our demonstrations won't be peaceful."
Flu cases across Canada are on the rise and may push hospitals to their limits over the holidays and into the new year, leading health officials in regions across the country to warn people not to visit emergency rooms unless it's absolutely necessary.
More than 30 years after Canada's military allowed women to serve in combat roles, it's now specifically designing uniforms and body armour to fit their bodies.
The holiday season has arrived in Thunder Bay, and that means reduced hours, or closures, for businesses, city offices, and other amenities.
As Toronto’s food scene continues to grow, some in the industry say the pool of professional chefs hasn’t kept up with demand.
Police have charged a truck driver from the Hamilton area in a hit-and-run crash that killed a tow truck operator who had been stopped while helping a driver on the side of Highway 401 outside Woodstock, Ont.
Power has been restored to most of Haines Junction after a problem earlier on Monday at the local generating station.
A 56-year-old man will return to court on Tuesday for a charge of second-degree murder, laid in a case London police have called an act of femicide.
The chairman of the committee leading Newfoundland and Labrador's independent review of the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding with Quebec is backing the impartiality of his three-man team.
The province has taken a major step toward restarting its onshore natural gas industry.
Allan Legere, serving a life sentence at a maximum security prison in Alberta, has been denied a request for full parole.
Winnipeg’s Granite Curling Club has asked a judge to decide whether the City of Winnipeg can ignore a provincial decision about residential housing slated to rise next to the club.
A Saskatoon woman says she watched her neighbour's police standoff play out in real time on social media.
One person is dead from carbon monoxide poisoning, following an incident Friday at a building in Regina.