Demonstrators took to the streets in many cities, such as Memphis, Boston, Atlanta, Sacramento, Washington and New York, after the footage of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was beaten to death by the police in the US state of Tennessee, was made public. A demonstrator in Times Square climbed upon a police car and kicked its windows; three people were detained.
While the large-scale protests are expected to continue throughout the country, US President Joe Biden has called for calm. “Like so many, I was outraged and deeply pained to see the horrific video of the beating that resulted in Tire Nichols’ death. It is yet another painful reminder of the profound fear and trauma, the pain, and the exhaustion that Black and Brown Americans experience every single day. My heart goes out to Tire Nichols’ family and to Americans in Memphis and across the country who are grieving this tremendously painful loss. The footage that was released this evening will leave people justifiably outraged. Those who seek justice should not to resort to violence or destruction. Violence is never acceptable; it is illegal and destructive. I join Mr. Nichols’ family in calling for peaceful protest” said the US President in a written statement.
“Tyre Nichols should have made it home to his family. Yet, once again, America mourns the life of a son and father brutally cut short at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve. The footage and images released tonight will forever be seared in our memories, and they open wounds that will never fully heal. The persistent issue of police misconduct and use of excessive force in America must end now,” stated US Vice President, Kamala Harris.