*authorities release hour long video of violent altercation
Five former Memphis Police officers are facing murder and other criminal charges over the violent murder of Tyre Nicholas. Tyre Nicholas was brutally beaten by police on January 7 after he was alleged to have been driving recklessly.
Tyre died three days later from his injuries.
Authorities on Friday evening released an hour long video of the events of January 7. The graphic video shows officers approach Tyre Nicholas’s car with their guns drawn and ordering him to get out whilst issuing out threats of violence. “You’re gonna get your head blown the fuck up,” a police officer says.
Tyre is then pulled by police from his car to the ground as he says, “I’m just trying to go home. I’m not doing anything.” An officer then pepper sprays Tyre in the face which makes him struggle to his feet and run.
Later parts of the disturbing video shows police track down Tyre Nicholas and brutally beat him unconscious even after he was subdued. He is also not provided medical services for about 20 mins.
The five officers (all black) — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were fired on January 20 after internal investigations found them culpable.
In a video statement, Memphis Police Chief Davis called the officers’ actions “heinous, reckless and inhumane.” “This is not just a professional failing. This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual,” she said.
The event and release of the brutal video has sparked protests and reactions in Memphis and across the United States. President Joe Biden condemned the incident and called for thorough investigations.