Protests erupted around the United States after the Memphis Police Department published a horrific video of Tyre Nichols being assaulted by cops.
The police revealed bodycam footage of Nichols being kicked, pinched in the face and head, and struck with a baton on January 7 on Friday.
On January 20, five police officers, all of whom were Black, were fired for their alleged involvement in Nichols’ murder.
Even before the video was posted, the Memphis Police Department sent additional officers throughout the city due to concerns about how the community might react.
Apart from Memphis, campaigners have planned protests in seven other major cities. New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and Portland were among them.
The demonstration in Times Square got violent as demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in multiple arrests.
Three persons were detained after a fight with police in Los Angeles’ Crossroads of the World. Protesters gathered in Atlanta and New York City as well.
Shortly after the video was posted, activists in Memphis began marching, taking over a bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas.
In the midst of the tangible emotions, Nichols’ family and US officials urged for calm
Nichols’ family and US officials called for calm amid the palpable tensions.
“When that tape comes out [Friday], it’s going to be horrific,” Nichols’s mother, Row Vaughn Wells, was quoted by the Los Angeles Times as saying.
“But I want each and every one of you to protest in peace. If you guys are here for me and Tyre, then you will protest peacefully.
In anticipation of the broadcast of this film, Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp proclaimed a state of emergency on Thursday.
Police in Washington, DC, said they were prepared for protests
In a statement, the Metropolitan police department said it “respects the community’s first amendment right to demonstrate and peacefully protest”, adding that they “will not tolerate any unlawful behavior during first amendment demonstrations.”