To follow are reflections from NACCHO Chief Executive Officer Lori Tremmel Freeman.

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the tragic murder of Tyre Nichols due to extraordinary police violence. This horrific and senseless murder of another young black man is truly heinous. My heart breaks for his parents and family, the Memphis community, and our country. And for all of the families this week who lost loved ones due to gun violence and hate in the California mass shootings. This has really been a tough, violent week (and year) of tragic news, day over day. I understand the need for protests and am hopeful the protests can remain peaceful to avoid others from coming to harm.

I know this is a difficult time for many of you and encourage you to talk with family, friends, and colleagues and to seek professional counseling as needed. Also, for those who may not be aware, NACCHO has active policy statements on police violence and racism and fire-arm related injury and death from a public health perspective.

I am so sorry to yet again have to share a message like this. Although it is encouraging that charges were brought swiftly against these police officers and they have already been indicted, there is so much more to be done to prevent these violent acts in the future and this culture of violence. Let’s together have renewed energy to fight this violence from a public health perspective so that more innocent people will not get hurt or die for no reason.