Third day of protests over death of Tyre Nichols held in New York and New Jersey on Sunday

NEW YORK -- There were demonstrations across the Tri-State Area on Sunday calling for change in the justice system and police departments across the country in response to Tyre Nichols' death at the hands of police.

Chants and also a moment of silence were held for 29-year-old Nichols in New York and New Jersey.

In the Bronx, at a celebration for the opening of the city's Universal Hip Hop Museum, lawmakers spoke out about Nichols' tragic death.

"The release of the body cam is a stark memory, a stark and painful reminder of the long journey we still have to travel as we try to march towards racial and social justice," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

In New Jersey, youth advocates and religious leaders in Elizabeth held a prayer rally.

"This thing is not about the color of our officers. It's the institution of our policing and the culture that comes with that. We have to change that," said Salaam Ismial, director of the National United Youth Council Inc.

READ MORE: Tyre Nichols' death, and a mother's pain

On Sunday evening outside the Nassau County Courthouse, organization Long Island United held a rally, demanding change in the justice system, starting with local police departments.

The five officers charged in Nichols' death were part of the SCORPION Unit in the Memphis Police Department. That unit has been permanently disbanded.

"Those officers were just like him, but those officers were not like him. Those officers were behind their color, which is blue. They were behind that color, so when it happens, there's no difference," said Hikeam Hankins of Uniondale.

Long Island United is also urging residents to call on their local legislators to pass legislation ending qualified immunity in New York.

"They're hurting the community by protecting people that swore to an oath and they violated that oath, but they're literally letting them get away with murder," said Darlene McDay of Medford.

READ MORE: What we know about Tyre Nichols' death and the officers charged with his murder

In Bedford-Stuyvesant on Sunday night, Mayor Eric Adams joined the United Clergy Coalition, residents, and police, and emphasized turning pain into purpose.

"It's going to energize us to be steadfast on what the mission is in front of us to build a city and country where you could have safety and justice," Adams said.

Religious leaders at the Brooklyn event say they want to go to Washington to talk to lawmakers about writing legislation aimed at prosecuting officers, who commit violent crimes, to the fullest extent of the law.