Protests erupt across the country after Tire Nichols footage emerged
Protests began across the country after Memphis officials released video footage of the traffic stoppage that led to the death of 29-year-old 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 having shortness 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.
In Memphis, demonstrators demonstrated on the freeway and blocked traffic flow.
‘Holding traffic won’t do anything’, trucker stuck on highway 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
In Dallas, several dozen people gathered for “a passionate but peaceful demonstration” in front of the headquarters of the Dallas Police Department.
As Dallas News reported:
Some attendees held signs, with sayings such as “Stop the War on Black America” and “Justice for Tire Nichols.” Rallying against the cold, they shouted “No justice, no peace” and “No good cops in a racist system”.
Protests have reached the nation’s capital, with citizens gathering outside the White House.
“The only way to get justice for Tire Nichols…to overthrow this capitalist system is if we understand our power,” one protester said through a megaphone, Fox News reported.
“Racist police terror, health care, climate change, workers’ rights – all of these things are connected,” the man continued.
Some White House protesters held signs that read “Jailhouse Killer Cops,” with “Party for Socialism and Liberation” underneath.
The protests in New York appear to be more aggressive.
A large group of protesters parade in the streets of New York, video broadcasts.
BREAKING: Large protests in Manhattan, NY, following body camera footage of Tire Nichols. #JusticeforTyreNichols
— 🇹 (@diamondswet999) January 28, 2023
In Times Square, brawls and arrests reportedly broke out.
Fights, arrests, incense in Times Square #TyreNichols pic.twitter.com/WdDgR9xKcL
— tate brown (@tatewbrown) January 28, 2023
Some people could be seen throwing punches at law enforcement, with a crowd huddled around the officers. Another protester stoned the windshield of a police car, video showed.
Can we still call it a riot? pic.twitter.com/Umh2qxcVa8
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 28, 2023
Despite the protests, Memphis officials are taking action against those involved in Nichols’ death.
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.
Additionally, all officers were fired from the Memphis Police Department last week.
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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