Protesters began marching in the streets of Memphis just minutes after the release of body camera footage showing the death of Tyre Nichols in police custody.
The footage showed officers violently beating Nichols and him screaming for his mom after a traffic stop on January 7.
“I’m going to baton the f-ck out of you,” one of the officers can be heard saying in the footage after mistakenly pepper spraying himself.
Nichols, 29, was hospitalized for three days before succumbing to his injuries.
Viewer discretion is advised:
BREAKING: Tyre Nichols video released in Memphis pic.twitter.com/CUKx0PXJUC
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 28, 2023
They’re literally just passing him around between officers who want a swing… #TyreNichols pic.twitter.com/M0SIfNqIbO
— James Kozanitis (@JamKozy) January 28, 2023
Speaking at a vigil on Thursday, Nichols’ mother RowVaughn Wells called for protesters to do so peacefully.
“When that tape comes out tomorrow, it’s going to be horrific,” Wells said. “I didn’t see it, but from what I hear it’s going to be horrific.”
Protests began within minutes of the footage being released.
Protesters shut down Interstate 55, currently on the bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas pic.twitter.com/F7HTxRyJz5
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) January 28, 2023
Protesters eventually stopped on the street and blocked a semi-truck. pic.twitter.com/j1oKS9qHP5
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 28, 2023
The officers involved, former Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were all fired on January 18.
The mayor has condemned the officers’ actions.
“The actions of these officers were awful, and no one, including law enforcement, is above the law,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said in a video posted to Facebook Thursday. “I assure you we will do everything we can to keep this type of heinous act from happening again.”
All officers have been charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree murder, and face up to 60 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
This situation is ongoing and Timcast News will be providing updates as it continues to unfold.
