UTAH FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

2195 West 5400 South #B201

Taylorsville, Utah 84129
www.utahstatefop.com

June 4, 2020

Re: Jesse Nix, Judicial Nominating Committee Member, Advocates “Shoot the Cops”

As Utah prepares to bury Officer Nathan Lyday, we are horrified at the cruelty of those who should
know better. Local attorney Jesse Nix took to Facebook today to encourage the public to “Shoot
the Cops” (see attached image on page 2 of this statement). He made sure to repeat his hateful
slogan three times. There was no need for the repetition, we heard the hate the first time.

This is intentionally inflammatory language, such that it would be ill-advised for someone who sits
on the 3rd District Judicial Nominating Committee to use at any time. It is callous and depraved
language to use while a young wife prepares to bury her husband. Officer Lyday was killed only
because he was willing to respond to a desperate plea for help by a woman under attack while
wearing the proud uniform and badge of the Ogden Police Department.

In the hopes of allowing Mr. Nix to recover his entirely forfeited dignity, we interceded with him
to remove the post. This was done through both written response to his Facebook post, and
attempted phone calls. Our hope that Mr. Nix would self-correct was not fulfilled. Mr. Nix decided
that his clever words are more important than affording some semblance of peace and dignity to a
fallen officer, his family, and a community in mourning. We retain excellent relationships with,
and respect for, the work of Utah’s defense attorneys. We further recognize that Mr. Nix’s lack of
good judgment and general kindness in no way reflects that of the vast majority of defense
attorneys.

The Utah FOP joins all decent-minded Utahn’s in condemning Jesse Nix’s suggestion to “Shoot
the Cops.” We go further and demand his removal as a member of the Third District Judicial
Nominating Committee. That appointed post requires careful thoughtfulness, balance, and concern
for community – traits that Mr. Nix clearly demonstrates he is not yet in possession of. We call on
Governor Herbert and the Utah State Bar, who allowed Mr. Nix the opportunity to serve, to
withdraw that privilege from him. At this critical point in Utah history, we should come together
to build relationships, not taunt widows and the mourning.

On behalf of our 4000 members,

________________________ ________________________
Brent Jex, President Ian Adams, Executive Director
Fraternal Order of Police Fraternal Order of Police
Utah State Lodge Utah State Lodge

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UTAH FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
2195 West 5400 South #B201
Taylorsville, Utah 84129
www.utahstatefop.com

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