Memphis protesters block freeway after Tire Nichols footage airs
Protesters in Memphis blocked highways following the release of video footage of the traffic stoppage that ultimately led to the death of 29-year-old Memphis resident Tire Nichols.
Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, died Jan. 10, three days after Memphis police officers arrested him for “reckless driving.”
In an initial statement, the Memphis Police Department said Nichols “complained of being out of breath” after “another confrontation” between Nichols and law enforcement.
On Friday, Memphis officials released video footage of the traffic stop that showed officers shouting profanities and repeatedly punching Nichols as they tried to arrest him.
Immediately after the footage was released, residents of Memphis took to the streets to protest Nichols’ death.
A TN fellow said it was okay to share this footage.
Video of protesters blocking the I-55 bridge after footage emerged showing Memphis police officers murdering Tire Nichols.
Solidarity with Memphis.
Call the culture.
Justice for Tire Nichols. pic.twitter.com/ViSMz89qYv— Comrade Bumblejack 🌽🏴 (@Bumblejack_) January 28, 2023
Protesters blocked traffic on I-55 at the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, photos and video show.
A trucker could be seen pleading with protesters to clear the highway in a video tweeted by journalist Jorge Ventura.
“Holding up traffic is not going to do anything”, the trucker said.
The trucker pleads with protesters to clear the highway as protesters line up and stop traffic. Protesters closed the highway in both directions @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/otrJXxFsdD
—Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) January 28, 2023
Protesters were also captured chanting Nichols’ name.
“Say his name,” shouted the protesters. “Shoot Nichols.
Protesters are now moving, halting traffic here in Memphis pic.twitter.com/1cTDCOTwYM
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) January 28, 2023
A grand jury has indicted former Memphis police officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith, all of whom are black, with multiple counts, including second-degree murder.
Jordan Dixon-Hamilton is a reporter for Breitbart News. Write to him at jdixonhamilton@breitbart.com or follow him on Twitter.
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