“We have come together to show our solidarity and to ask for healing prayers, not just for Memphis but for the entire nation,” said Pastor Timothy Brown.
BUFFALO, NY — Elects and faith leaders gathered on the steps of Buffalo City Hall to pray and call for peaceful demonstrations following the release of bodycam video showing the death of Tire Nichols.
“We have come together to show our solidarity and to ask for healing prayers, not just for Memphis but for the entire nation,” said Pastor Timothy Brown.
Buffalo Common Council members, police officers and many others stood side by side and lit candles during the Friday prayer vigil, which was intermittently interrupted by music.
Rabbi Penny Myers and Rev. George Madison sang about healing as one humanity and requested safe passage for Nichols.
“We reflect on the lives lost to senseless violence,” said Buffalo City Mayor Bryon Brown.
Common Council President Darius Pridgen spoke about the pain and fear he felt after watching the video and death of Nichols at the hands of five former Memphis police officers.
“A lot of ‘un’ words came to mind. Unnecessary, sneaky, but then that word: undone. These types of actions need to be reversed across our country,” Pridgen said.
NAACP President Rev. Mark Blue called for similar action, urging the people of western New York to remain peaceful, as Nichols’ parents had urged.
“This is a time of healing. This is a time of prayer. We know that we believe that the injustice committed cannot be undone, but we can ensure that it does not happen again,” said Reverend Blue.
To experience the entire prayer vigil in its entirety, watch the video below:
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