Release of Tyre Nichols body camera footage expected in coming weeks, DA says
NBCNov 27, 2022
Tyre Nichols: Police Chief Calls Death 'Heinous,' Asks for Calm
story
Image copyright: Daily Memphian [via The New York Times]
The Facts
Tennessee authorities are anticipating the release of police officer body cam footage from Tyre Nichols' arrest. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died just three days after a traffic stop on Jan. 7; Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis cautioned the public not to react violently to the "heinous" footage.
Though the incident's details are still emerging, police statements indicate that Nichols was pulled over in a traffic stop before a confrontation ensued when Nichols ran away. Another confrontation reportedly occurred as officers arrested him nearby.
The Spin
Right narrative
The five Memphis police officers committed a heinous act, and local authorities are doing everything possible to ensure everyone involved in this brutal killing is held accountable. Though there is a worry that the release of body cam footage will lead to violence, it's in everyone's best interest that public safety is maintained. Even Nichols' family is asking their community, and the public, to allow authorities to finish their detailed investigation.
Left narrative
Nichols's murder at the hands of police officers is part of a far larger and deadly pattern in policing in the US. Police officers killed at least 1,176 people last year, a record amount. Top-down changes must be made to either reform or completely redefine what role the police should have in American society. All too often, "routine encounters" lead to death.
