Latest Evidence of Tyre Nichols’ Death

Video footage was released today of how a traffic stop in Memphis on suspicion of reckless driving led to the death of black motorist Tyre Nichols.



ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

The city of Memphis is preparing to release videos showing black motorist Tyre Nichols being beaten by five now ex-cops. The officers, all black, were charged with second-degree murder among other things. And law enforcement officials say that what the videos show is inhumane. Katie Riordan of WKNO is in Memphis covering the case. Katie, what’s going on in town right now? What is the feeling there?

KATHIE RIORDAN, BAILIN: Yes, people are grieving and in pain. There is a sense of weariness that people have to go through this, that traffic has come to a halt due to what the officer called reckless driving. There is also a feeling of disappointment. And I think that people are just afraid to watch these shots. Nichols’ mother, Rowan Wells, said today that she hasn’t watched all of the videos and warned people with children not to let them watch. And many say so.

SHAPIRO: There was a press conference today with the Nichols family and their lawyers. What did they say?

Riordan: Attorney Ben Crump said he’s never seen justice as fast as he did in this case against these officers. And he said the way the authorities handled the case really created a new model. Here we can listen to what he said.

(SOUND FROM ARCHIVE RECORDING)

BEN KRUMP: We have a precedent here in Memphis. And we intend to stick to this plan for all of America from this day forward.

RIORDAN: Crump also said that the only way to get justice for Tyr is to claim what he says is an institutionalized police culture. And another lawyer for the family said that special forces like the one that stopped Tyr should be disbanded. The Memphis police chief has already called for an independent review of the unit. And Tyre’s stepfather, Rodney Wells, said he was pleased with the charges of second-degree murder. Tyre’s mom said she hasn’t had time to grieve yet, but she knows Tyre is smiling.

(SOUND FROM ARCHIVE RECORDING)

ROWON WELLES: He always said he’d be famous one day. I didn’t know he was going to do that – that’s what he meant.

SHAPIRO: Now let’s talk about the footage that is scheduled to be released tonight. Law enforcement officials and lawyers who saw it called it disgusting and inhumane. What else can you tell us about it?

RIORDAN: Well, we know there will be security cameras and other recordings. The video will be uploaded to YouTube in four parts, according to the Memphis Police Department. When it will be released is not entirely clear, but somewhere around 18:00 Central time. Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis told CNN today that she saw part of the video the morning after the incident and that she had never witnessed anything like it.

(SOUND FROM ARCHIVE RECORDING)

CJ DAVIS: You’ll see acts that defy humanity and a level of physical interaction that goes beyond what is required in law enforcement. And I’m sure the audience will feel the same as the family. If not, then you are not human. And we are all human.

Riordan: She said the officers’ aggression was inexplicable. They were outraged from the very beginning, and then only intensified.

SHAPIRO: Now, Tyre Nichols’ parents, along with law enforcement, have repeatedly called for peaceful protests following the release of the video. What can you tell us about the protest plans in Memphis?

RIORDAN: The city has been tense since the officers were fired a week ago. With the release dates tonight, people had time to leave downtown and go home for the weekend. Schools in Memphis canceled all of their events this afternoon. And other cities across the country are preparing for tonight as well, just in case. During today’s afternoon press conference, Rodney Wells again warned against violence and said he didn’t want any outrage.

(SOUND FROM ARCHIVE RECORDING)

RODNY WELLES: Please protest, but it’s safe to protest.

RIORDAN: So we’ll be watching people’s reactions when the footage comes out.

SHAPIRO: This is WKNO’s Katie Riordan who will be watching to see what happens after this video is released tonight. Katya, thanks for the report.

RIORDAN: Thank you.

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