Last Updated on January 27, 2023
Far-left protesters have mobilized across the country in response to police body camera footage from the fatal police beating of Memphis resident Tyre Nichols. In Memphis, protesters completely blocked off a highway while multiple individuals smashed police vehicles in New York City. Police departments in major cities across the country have prepared for potential unrest following the release.
On Friday evening, the Memphis Police Department released four separate videos related to events surrounding the arrest and beating of Nichols, who died three days after the incident.
“You guys are really doing a lot right now,” Nichols is heard saying to the officers at the start of the videos. Authorities said Nichols had been stopped by the officers and accused of reckless driving, but Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn J. Davis has since said the department has not found proof to substantiate the reckless driving allegation, the Associated Press reported.
Unlike in the case of George Floyd…
Tyre Nichols was murdered.
And every single one of these cops needs to be held accountable.
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) January 28, 2023
Memphis officials had warned of the footage’s disturbing nature for days, raising concerns of unrest.
Upon release of the videos, large crowds of leftist protesters with pre-made signs began to mobilize across the country. The most significant crowds gathered in Memphis, where leftist demonstrators could be seen blocking traffic on the Interstate 55 bridge between Arkansas and Tennessee.
As of 9:30 p.m. local time, protesters had blocked multiple highways in the Memphis area. The blockades have left hundreds of motorists stranded and blocked access for emergency vehicles.
ANTIFA and their allies have shut down the Interstate 55 bridge that connects Tennessee and Arkansas. In Joe Biden’s America ANTIFA controls interstate commerce.
pic.twitter.com/aNwiPTQjvw— Charles R Downs (@TheCharlesDowns) January 28, 2023
Protesters in Memphis now heading up to the upper level of the highway. #TyreNichols pic.twitter.com/lNYeT8eKNx
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) January 28, 2023
Similar, albeit smaller protests have been organized in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and dozens of additional U.S. cities. In New York, at least three arrests have been made after a mob smashed up a police vehicle.
#Breakingnew
Time Square #NYC. During a protest for #TyreeNichols , an NYPD cop cars windows were broken out .
3 arrested were made
Copyright protected email [email protected] for licensing pic.twitter.com/9odZ8u76MF— Viral News NY (@ViralNewsNYC) January 28, 2023
Protesters could be heard chanting “no justice, no peace” despite the fact that all five officers involved have been fired and charged with second-degree murder.
This is a developing story.