State Rep. Anthony Nolan, D- New London, was in his living room with his family Friday night as he watched the graphic videos released by Memphis police of the beating that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Nolan, a Black veteran New London police officer, said his stomach turned as a camera captured the assault.

“It’s disgusting,” he said. “There are no words (to describe) the behavior of law enforcement officers who are supposed to protect and serve.”

Nolan said these incidents are what make people across the country want to see more changes and reform when it comes to police.

Nolan supported the state’s police accountability bill in 2020 that called for a number of provisions aimed at holding police officers accountable for misconduct and setting new standards for the use of force.

“It doesn’t matter what he was stopped for, he didn’t deserve that,” Nolan said.

Earlier in the day Nolan released a statement prior to the release of the video footage.

He said it’s time for action and called upon his colleagues in uniform to do better.

“Do not turn a blind eye, do not be fearful or intimidated, we must all stand up and speak out if we want to see these tragedies end,” he said. “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Tyre Nichols, and the entire community, who will now be forced to again experience the trauma of yet another senseless death as the recording is released.”

j.vazquez@theday.com