"We Will Do Better" Maryland, Baltimore County Leaders Respond To Tyre Nichols Killing

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Nearly eight years since the tragic death of Freddie Gray in police custody, leaders across Maryland expressed outrage over the killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police.

One of the first to respond, Newly elected Governor Wes Moore issued the following statement:

"It's difficult not to fight back tears watching this video. The inhumanity that was shown to Tyre Nichols, a young skateboarder and amateur photographer, is intolerable by anybody, but especially by people whose job and responsibility it was to protect him. I'm thankful that the Department of Justice is engaged in this investigation, and these five individuals must be held to account for their barbarism. I know I speak for all Marylanders as we grieve with Tyre's family, friends and community."

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski also responded to the incident calling it "an unacceptable breach of public trust."

Baltimore City also released a joint statement from State's Attorney Ivan Bates, Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, and Director of MONSE Shantay Jackson.

Harrison also released a video sharing the department's stance on Nichol's death. You can watch that here.

Attorney General Anthony Brown said his office will do everything in its power to ensure something like this never happens again.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Tyre Nichols, and to the community in Memphis and beyond that knew him and mourns his passing. I also grieve for our American community, which still has so far to travel to reach the goal of justice for all."

"These videos, and the horrors that they portray, have been felt here in Maryland and across the nation. Protesting injustice is a proud American tradition, and I stand with you in peaceful opposition to the violence and degradation portrayed in these videos."

"As the Attorney General, I promise to uphold the ideals that all Marylanders share – that justice should not depend on race or wealth or geography, and that no person or profession is exempt from the rule of law. I promise to be present with our Maryland community while we reckon with injustice, and to listen and learn as we work together to ensure that the brutality that ended Mr. Nichols' life will never happen again."

Finally, Baltimore City police said they support citizens' 1st amendment right to protest but emplored protestors to remain peaceful.

"The Baltimore Police Department is aware of potential protests and stands ready to safeguard those peacefully participating and exercising their 1st Amendment rights. The Department is creating a contingency plan in the event that we deploy to areas across the city to support those participating in peaceful protests. The Department is coordinating with many local and state law enforcement partners to maintain a calm and safe environment for all."