Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he and his family have watched the footage released Friday of the Tyre Nichols police beating in Memphis. Like many others who have witnessed the brutal incident, Kemp says they were “shaken” by what they saw.
“Marty, the girls, and I were truly shaken and deeply saddened by the footage of events that led to Tyre Nichols’ tragic death. We are praying for his family and community during this time of heartbreak,” Kemp said.
Atlanta and other cities across the U.S. are bracing for possible protests following the release of the four videos showing different views of the incident that occurred in Memphis on January 7. That night, Memphis police officers pulled over the 29-year-old father and FedEx worker for what they said was reckless driving. After Nichols tried to flee on foot, officers severely beat him. Nichols died in a hospital three days later.
The videos show officers aggressively dragging Nichols from his car at a stoplight. Seemingly confused, Nichols asks what he did, but officers do not respond. Instead, they can be heard shouting profanities at him throughout the encounter. When Nichols runs away, an officer deploys his taser gun and pursues him on foot. Later, other officers at a different location are seen beating and kicking Nichols as he lies on the ground. At least one officer beats him with a police baton.
At times, Nichols is heard screaming in pain, calling out “Mom.”
Brutal beating
The footage was uploaded to Vimeo in four different parts. It was shot from police-worn body cameras, dashboard, and light pole cameras. Some of the footage contains audio, while other segments do not.
The first video shows the initial interaction between Nichols and the officers. The second video shows the beating in footage pulled from a light pole in a residential neighborhood. The third and fourth videos also reflect what happened at the scene where police beat Nichols for three minutes.
“Make no mistake: Tyre Nichols was, at all times, an innocent victim on that night. He did nothing wrong. He was caught up in a sting,” said Antonio Romanucci, a lawyer representing his family, speaking at a Friday press conference.
Outraged but pressing for calm
President Joe Biden issued a statement as the footage was released on Friday, calling it “horrific.” Earlier in the day he had spoken with the Nichols family to share his condolences.
“Like so many, I was outraged and deeply pained to see the horrific video of the beating that resulted in Tyre Nichols’ death,” Biden said in the statement. “It is yet another painful reminder of the profound fear and trauma, the pain, and the exhaustion that Black and Brown Americans experience every single day.”
Cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, are on edge and bracing for a familiar series of events: protests, outrage and calls for national police reform.
Still reeling from violent protests that recently erupted over a proposed police training facility in Atlanta, Georgia’s capital remains on edge. Governor Kemp Thursday declared a 15-day state of emergency. He authorized the National Guard to activate up to 1,000 troops if necessary should more violent protests break out.
“As citizens express their grief and reactions to his killing, the state continues to respect the right of peaceful protest,” Kemp said following Friday’s video release.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said: “Once again, we bear witness to a horrific act – a vile and brutal attack of a young unarmed Black man in America by officers who were sworn to serve and protect. I know I am not alone in my feelings of sickness and anger in the attack on Mr. Tyre Nichols. I grieve with my community, and my heart goes out to Mr. Nichols’ family.”
Read my full statement by visiting https://t.co/miY9tpeh8O pic.twitter.com/Jy7EPcUv3X
— Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) January 28, 2023
All five Memphis police officers accused of beating Nichols have been fired and now face second-degree murder, assault, and kidnapping charges. State and federal authorities are also investigating the officers.
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GPB News contributed to this report
