MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis businesses boarded up their windows ahead of the release of the bodycam footage of a police encounter with Tyre Nichols, which resulted in his death.
Nichols was pulled over Jan. 7 for suspected reckless driving, according to Memphis police. After a confrontation between Nichols and police officers, the 29-year-old Black man fled on foot. Another confrontation followed before Nichols was arrested.
BUSINESSES BOARD UP TO PREP FOR POTENTIAL VIOLENCE AHEAD OF TYRE NICHOL'S BODYCAM FOOTAGE RELEASE. WATCH:
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Nichols was transported to a hospital and arrived in critical condition. He died three days later as a result of "use-of-force incident with officers," according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Bodycam footage of the incident is expected to be released Friday after 7 p.m. EST.
Five police officers involved were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and additional felony charges.
Memphis businesses board up to prepare for potential violence ahead of Tyre Nichols bodycam footage release. (Fox News/Jon Michael Raasch)
RELEASING TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO ON FRIDAY EVENING COULD LEAD TO VIOLENT WEEKEND PROTESTS, EXPERTS SAY
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis reviewed the bodycam footage and, during a Wednesday press conference, called the actions that led to Nichols' death "a failing of basic humanity." She also urged the city against responding with violence.
"None of this is a calling card for inciting violence or destruction on our community or against our citizens," Davis said.
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Meanwhile, Nichols' family, while devastated and calling for justice, urged demonstrators to protest peacefully.
"We want peace," Nichols stepfather, Rodney Wells, said. "That’s what the family wants. That's what the community wants."
