MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The family of Tyre Nichols has sent a letter to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, urging him to veto legislation which would undo police traffic stop reforms in Memphis.
The legislation designed to undo the reforms set in place after Nichols’ beating and death by officers last year is now headed to Lee's desk after being passed in the state legislature.
In the letter, Rodney and RowVaughn Wells said they tried to meet with State. Sen. Brent Taylor to request a delay in the vote, but their pleas went unanswered, “leaving us and the entire Memphis community feeling marginalized and discouraged.”
“Gov. Lee, we implore you to consider the implications of SB2572 on the safety and well-being of the citizens of Tennessee, particularly those in Memphis who have been directly affected by police misconduct and violence –– people like us,” the letter continues. “By signing this bill into law, you will be negating the hard-fought progress made in improving policing and building community trust, thereby jeopardizing the lives and rights of countless individuals.”
SB2572 overturns an ordinance adopted by the Memphis city council, which included outlawing so-called pretextual traffic stops for minor violations, such as a broken taillight. The bill would apply statewide, prohibiting any local governments from setting limits on any traffic stops when an officer observes or has reasonable suspicion that someone in the car has violated a local ordinance or state or federal law.
“If we don’t do this, we will further endanger our community,” said Taylor, the Republican bill sponsor from Memphis.
“While we, as Tyre’s parents, carry the mantle of ensuring Tyre’s legacy, this moment is about so much more. You, alone, have the power to protect the progress we’ve made toward community safety by vetoing this misguided and harmful legislation,” said the letter. “After the death of our son, you generously offered your support in our pursuit of justice. This is that moment, Governor. We need your support now, more than ever.”
Nichols’ death in January 2023 sparked outrage and calls for reforms nationally and locally. Videos showed an almost 3-minute barrage of fists, feet and baton strikes to Nichols’ face, head, front and back, as the 29-year-old Black man yelled for his mother about a block from home.
Five officers, who are also Black, were charged with federal civil rights violations and second-degree murder and other criminal counts in state court. One has pleaded guilty in federal court. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating how Memphis Police Department officers use force and conduct arrests, and whether the department in the majority-Black city engages in racially discriminatory policing.
Gov. Lee has not publicly commented on the legislation, but to date, the Republican has never handed down a veto since taking office.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.