Mayor Adams, clergy leaders gather at anti violence vigil Sunday

People holding candles. (Photo by Thays Orrico on Unsplash)

Mayor Adams and local clergy leaders recently gathered at the anti-violence vigil on Sunday, Jan. 29, in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

As reported, the purpose of the gathering was to discuss ways New York City can remain safe during protests.

Anti-Violence Vigil

Even though the majority of protests that have taken place in the city since Friday have been nonviolent, clergy leaders who planned the vigil brought attention to the one very violent incident in Times Square on Friday night.

During the protest on Friday, a guy was detained after he damaged a windshield by climbing on top of a police vehicle and then breaking it.

The activities at the protest on Friday were examples of the type of disruptive behavior that clergy leaders have stated they hope protesters will refrain from taking in future demonstrations.

On Sunday, the NYC mayor and clergy members aimed to remind and dissuade anyone who plans to protest in the upcoming days from engaging in acts of violence.

Such violence could result in physical hurt, vandalism, or other damage in the neighborhoods where the protests will occur.

In Adams' first public reaction since viewing the horrific video that shows five Memphis police officers beating Tyre Nichols, he said that New York City must remain dedicated to becoming a city where fighting crime and fair policing go hand in hand.

Adams is reportedly a retired New York Police Department (NYPD) captain turned mayor.

Tyre Nichols' Death

Tyre Nichols passed away three days after his arrest by Memphis police.

As reported, Nichols, a Black guy who was 29 years old at the time, was stopped by the police on Jan. 7, 2023, for allegedly driving recklessly.

According to the officials, officers from Memphis approached Nichols, but he managed to get away.

After Nichols fled away, officers claim they gave chase and eventually caught up with him.

Moreover, after some time has passed, the film from the body camera shows a group of policemen surrounding Nichols and standing over him while he is on the ground.

A third officer reportedly kicks him while two more hold him down and restrain him.

Furthermore, Nichols is lifted off the ground by two officers, who then appear to strike him in the face and torso with the baton that a fourth officer has just arrived with.

According to the police, Nichols "complained of feeling a shortness of breath" after the event.

He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Memphis in critical condition after being transferred there by ambulance.

As per the TBI, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office was called because of Nichols' condition.

TBI special agents were then requested to conduct a use-of-force investigation due to the district attorney's office's request.

At the time, the Memphis Police Department issued a statement stating that the "officers implicated would be routinely relieved of duty awaiting the result" of the investigation being conducted by the TBI.

Five officers have been arrested and charged with his killing thus far.

In addition, Nichol's passing has led to protests and discontent around the nation.