Release of bodycam video showing Tyre Nichols’ violent arrest prompts protests across New York City

Crowds gathered in Times Square Friday night after the release of body camera video of Tyre Nichols’ death in Memphis, reports Jennifer Bislam of CBS2.

Hundreds stopped in the middle of Times Square to block traffic during protests on Friday night.

For the most part, things were mostly peaceful, but there have been some arrests, as reported by CBS2’s Ali Bauman.

Protesters gathered in Union Square shortly after the Memphis body cam video was released. After the crowd held a rally, dozens began marching through Manhattan, blocking traffic.

Some of the people we spoke to watched the video on their cell phones between speeches at the rally, while others felt they already knew the horrific tragedy it represented. , said there was no need to look at it at all.

Some applauded Memphis police and prosecutors for their swift action in shooting and arresting five officers, while others said there will never be real justice for Tire Nichols while he is dead. Some people say they are deaf.

“You can fight as much as you want and right now it doesn’t feel like it’s enough, but obviously it’s important to still be here. And you can arrest as many cops as you want. But that can’t bring Tire Nichols back.He’s still dead.His family is still in mourning.They just released a very graphic and terrible video.People know it’s kind of How do you expect justice?” Harlem resident Hennessy Garcia said.

As CBS2’s Dan Rice reported from Chopper 2, the protests were mostly peaceful, but as the crowd climbed 7th Avenue and reached 44th Street, one individual was pulled into a police vehicle. It was seen climbing on top of and stomping on the windshield.

When that happened, the police acted quickly and pulled the man out of the patrol car.

Police saw at least five people removed from the crowd.

Officers were able to quickly bring the situation under control before things became peaceful again.

NYPD Commissioner Keecchant Sewell issued the following statement Friday night:

“The NYPD and the communities we serve are collectively outraged by the death of Tyre Nichols while in Memphis police custody.

“The shameful conduct depicted in the released video is a clear violation of our pledge to protect those we serve and a lack of basic human decency.

“The officers involved have been fired and charged with murder and other charges.

“Here in New York City, we will be increasing our police presence over the next few days to allow those we choose to express themselves freely and safely.

“Our responsibility is to protect our constitutional right to peacefully assemble and protest.

“While we understand, appreciate and share the emotional condemnation of this tragedy, our department will never tolerate violence, willful destruction, or other criminal acts.

“We value trust and work every day to build and strengthen trust with our communities.

“The NYPD supports peaceful demonstrations while protecting the city’s residents, commuters and visitors.”

At least one person was detained on Friday after apparently vandalizing an NYPD vehicle in Times Square.

This happened as the crowd was protesting after a video showing Tyre Nichols’ violent arrest was released.

CBS2’s Dan Rice reported from Chopper 2 that a person was seen stepping on the windshield of an NYPD vehicle parked in Times Square.

A rally was held for Tire Nichols in Times Square on Friday night after a video showing Nichols’ violent arrest was released earlier this month, reports Jennifer Bislam of CBS2.

Chopper 2 flew over protests across New York City on Friday.

Another protest was underway in Times Square, where demonstrators gathered to listen to a speech.

Shortly after the video was released Friday night, protesters gathered in Union Square before starting the march.

Pastor Al Sharpton issued a statement on Friday following the release of the body cam video.

“Once again forced to watch a terrifying video of cops using brutal force to murder a black man. Almost three years after the murder of George Floyd rocked the world, here we are. This video is all the jury needs to convict each of the five police officers who brutally beat Tyre Nichols to death.

“Those who go out to protest tonight must respect their families’ wishes to maintain non-violence. We are all outraged, but the violent will only help the accused. The more they act, the more these cops use it simply as an excuse for their despicable behavior.

“The sad reality is that police brutality will become an ever-present threat to black and brown Americans. must understand that a badge is not a shield to kill them someone in a traffic stop. And the only way to do that is through belief and legislation. Thank you for getting started and I urge Justice Department attorneys to be prompt and transparent. Our entire nation must come together to condemn this grotesque human rights abuse. ”

Sharpton plans to address Nichols’ death at a National Action Network rally Saturday morning. He will go to Memphis on Wednesday to deliver Nichols’ eulogy.

New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks issued the following statement following the release of the body camera video on Friday.

“As many have now seen, the videos from Memphis have impacted our consciousness and our basic humanity. “What’s even more amazing is that five black male police officers beat another black man to death. I am outraged at this unspeakable lack of humanity. I know many members of our school community will feel the same way when they return to school next week: “I call on all school leaders to encourage community involvement and hearing. Our hearts go out to Tyre Nichols’ family and our prayers for our country.”

As communities reel from yet another violent police-involved death and prepare to witness the final moments of Tyre Nichols’ life, community leaders and experts address recent losses. Share how to care for your mental health as you learn how.

Click here to read full story.

Mayor Eric Adams gave a briefing from city hall on Friday about protests in New York City after the release of a video showing Tyre Nichols’ beating and arrest.

Mayor Eric Adams called the officers’ behavior “extremely disturbing.”

He urges New Yorkers who choose to protest to do so peacefully.

“The current criminal justice system is what they claim and we intend to follow it to the best of our ability. But we want our right to speak out peacefully and we ask New Yorkers to do so In this city,” Adams said.

The mayor says the NYPD has a strategy for possible protests.

Additional officers are available to assist with large gatherings.

Memphis officials on Friday released police video from violent arrest tire nicholsa 29-year-old black man who died earlier this month murder against the five police officers fired in the incident. Nichols died three days after what his family and authorities described as a brutal encounter resulting from a traffic stop.

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