Memphis Waits For Release of Police Video After Black Man Dies Following ‘Confrontation’

The familiar story of police beating and killing a Black man is dominating headlines this week as the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the Memphis Police Department for its role in the arrest that preceded the death of 29-year-old Tyre DeAndre Nichols. Nichols was stopped by the police on Jan. 7, and three days later he died.

Calls are mounting for police to release the video of the traffic stop. Police say they stopped Nichols for “reckless driving”. According to the Memphis Police, there was a “confrontation” and Nichols fled. Police say there was another “confrontation” before they took Nichols into custody.
According to the police report, Nichols was short of breath and arrived at the hospital in critical condition where he later went into cardiac arrest. 

On social media, Nichols’ name and details of his arrest and are trending. City leaders are reportedly bracing for public outrage when the video is released. Residents have already organized protests, calling for justice.