Memphis businesses boarded up their windows ahead of the release of the bodycam footage in the arrest and killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.
On Jan. 7, a 29-year-old black man, Nichols, was pulled over by Memphis police officers for a traffic stop, dying three days later from severe injuries sustained during the encounter. The five police officers involved were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and five other felony charges.
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Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis reviewed the bodycam footage and said the actions that led to Nichol’s death were "a failing of basic humanity" during a Wednesday address, but urged people to avoid responding with violence. The Memphis Police Department planned to release the bodycam footage Friday night.
RELEASING TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO ON FRIDAY EVENING COULD LEAD TO VIOLENT WEEKEND PROTESTS, EXPERTS SAY
Meanwhile, Nichols family, while devastated and calling for justice, urged demonstrators to protest peacefully during a Friday press conference.
"We want peace," Nichols stepfather, Rodney Wells, said. "That’s what the family wants. That's what the community wants."
The bodycam footage is expected to be released Friday after 7 p.m. EST.
