The mother and stepfather of African American Tyre Nichols, who was fatally beaten by Memphis police officers, have accepted an invitation to attend President Joe Biden’s speech to Congress scheduled for February 7.
African American Congressional Caucus Executive Director Vincent Evans tweeted Sunday that caucus chairman Rep. Stephen Horsford had invited Nichols’ parents to Washington for a presidential address and that they had accepted the invitation.
Recall that Nichols was beaten by five Memphis police officers, who are currently charged with his murder.
They beat him with their feet, fists and clubs. The incident happened on January 7 after Nichols was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving.
On Friday, city authorities released video of the incident.
Nichols, 29, was hospitalized and died from his injuries three days after the incident.
Five police officers (all, like the late Nichols, are African Americans) are removed from their posts.
Police have also suspended a sixth officer in connection with the case.
The African-American congressional caucus said it was in talks with the White House about a meeting to discuss police reform.
On Friday, Biden spoke with Nichols’ mother, Rowan Wells, and stepfather, Rodney Wells.
