Horrific footage of Memphis police officers beating Tyre Nichols became available to the public on Friday (January 27).
Four videos revealed the violence that resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols. Cops punched, kicked, pepper sprayed and tased Nichols.
One video showed the initial attempt to arrest Nichols. He told the officers he didn’t do anything, but the cops were immediately hostile.
An officer pulled Nichols out of his vehicle and put him on the ground. Cops deployed pepper spray at one point, which led to Nichols fleeing.
Additional videos captured what happened when police eventually caught Nichols. Cops mercilessly beat him in an incident reminiscent of the police brutality against Rodney King.
Nichols can be heard screaming for his mother in the footage. One video provided clear shots of officers punching Nichols in the face.
Five officers were charged with second-degree murder for their roles in Nichols’ death. He passed away a few days after the violent arrest.
Memphis police fired Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith over Nichols’ arrest. The ex-cops face additional charges of aggravated assault-acting in concert, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
The fired officers were released on bail. They will be arraigned on February 17.
Videos of the police attacking Nichols are available here. WARNING: The footage is graphic.
