Tennessee Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty released statements about the video footage of Nichols’ beating, with Blackburn calling it “difficult to watch” and Hagerty saying that he was “deeply disturbed” by it.
The two Republican senators also added that they were in close contact with federal and state agencies conducting investigations into the fatal confrontation.
“My office has been in contact with DOJ and will continue to work with our federal and local officials,” Blackburn said. “I am confident the Memphis Police Department and State of Tennessee will conduct a thorough investigation.”
Hagerty added that he was also in touch the GOP Gov. Bill Lee’s office.
“The criminal justice system must swiftly pursue accountability. I echo Governor Lee in urging a full, independent investigation to determine what happened and how to prevent such misconduct from ever happening again,” he said.
