ATLANTA – State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Shelly Hutchinson (D-Snellville), Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn), Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) today issued the following statements regarding the fatal arrest of Tyre Nichols of Memphis:
“It is really unfortunate that the life of an individual is not valued,” said Rep. Burnough. “More importantly, it is a shame that none of those police officers were willing to stand up and do the right thing.”
“Once again, we have an example of how the sanctity of life is observed for some lives but certainly not Black lives,” said Rep. Hutchinson. “It is shameful that we still feel like young Black males are hunted for sport without consequence in 2023.”
“All Americans must be regarded as human beings with the right to be innocent until proven guilty by the courts or a jury of their peers,” said Rep. Glaize. “Any law enforcement operating in heinous acts against persons on American soil should be fully prosecuted under the law.”
“The death of Tyre Nichols was a clear dereliction of duty and a sad reality that more is left to be done to ensure accountability and justice for our communities,” said Rep. Olaleye. “‘Black Lives Matter’ is not merely a statement, but it should be the ultimate principle that guides us to create systems of opportunity and public safety for all, especially our most vulnerable Black and brown communities.”
“Another cry of a young Black man only 29 years old is heard calling out for his mother as he was being murdered,” said Rep. Schofield. “The abuse of force by law enforcement is not bound by color, nor should anyone who stood by and watched this heinous act go unpunished. The death of Tyre has not only devastated the Nichols family, but also the law enforcement and community as a whole will be changed forever.”
“As the mother of a son, grandmother and ‘auntie’ of Black men, my heart is troubled once again by the lack of humanity police officers have for Black men,” said Rep. Scott.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Shelly Hutchinson represents the citizens of District 106, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Juvenile Justice, Public Health and Regulated Industries committees.
Representative Lydia Glaize represents the citizens of District 67, which includes portions of Coweta and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Education, Higher Education and Information and Audits committees.
Representative Phil Olaleye represents the citizens of District 59, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Governmental Affairs and Information and Audits committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
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