On Friday evening, body camera footage was released that allegedly shows the interaction between former Memphis Police Department (MPD) officers and Tyre Nichols, which led to Nichols’ tragic death. The footage has been released in connection to the incident that resulted in the death of the 29-year-old man, who passed away earlier this month in a hospital days after the confrontation.
Five former MPD officers were arrested and charged for their alleged involvement in the death of Tyre Nichols. According to local media, Nichols died on January 10, three days after Memphis police pulled him over in a traffic stop. The stop occurred on January 7 for “reckless driving” near Raines Road and Ross Road in Memphis.
During the stop, a “confrontation occurred,” at which point Nichols ran away from police on foot as they attempted to apprehend him. According to MPD, “While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, the suspect was ultimately apprehended.” The statement goes on to say that “afterward the suspect complained of having shortness of breath, at which point an ambulance was called to the scene.”
It is important to note that both Tyre Nichols and the five former police officers involved in this incident are black. The release of this footage is a step towards transparency and accountability in the investigation of this tragic incident.
Officials have also released four videos from the incident, which contain graphic content. We would like to warn our readers that the footage may be disturbing to some viewers. It is crucial that we, as a community, review the footage and stay informed about the ongoing investigation.
In light of this tragic incident, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Tyre Nichols. We hope that justice will be served in this case and that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Officials released the following four videos from the incident [WARNING: Graphic content]: