These are the moments that led to Tyre Nichols' death
8:51
What we covered here
Newly released video of Tyre Nichols’ arrest showed him screaming for his mother and Memphis police officers striking him multiple times. Editor’s note: This article contains graphic videos and descriptions of violence.
Five former Memphis officers involved in the arrest were charged with murder and kidnapping, the district attorney announced Thursday.
Nichols was pulled over on Jan. 7 by Memphis police for reckless driving and a “confrontation” occurred, the department said. The police chief said the department has been unable to find anything that’s substantiated the probable cause for reckless driving.
Our coverage on the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols has moved here.
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Officials released violent video of Tyre Nichols arrest. Here's what we know.
From CNN's Holmes Lybrand
In this still from video released by the City of Memphis, officers from the Memphis Police Department beat Tyre Nichols on a street corner.
(City of Memphis)
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
City officials on Friday evening released more than an hour of footage showing the deadly confrontation between Tyre Nichols and Memphis police officers earlier this month. The released materials included three body camera videos and one overhead surveillance video.
The five officers involved in the arrest were fired after an internal investigation and are facing criminal charges, including second-degree murder. Following the release of the video Friday night, two deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have been put on leave pending an investigation, Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said in a statement.
According to the footage, the incident starts to unfolds from 8:24 p.m. CT, when officers initially stopped Nichols, to 9:02 p.m. CT, when an ambulance finally appears on camera to take Nichols to the hospital.
All times are approximate, but here’s a look at the timeline in the video:
8:24 p.m.: The body camera worn by an officer shows the first contact police have with Nichols on Jan. 7. Multiple officers can be seen approaching Nichols’ vehicle, drawing their firearms and yelling for Nichols to get out of the vehicle. “You’re gonna get your head blown the fuck up,” one officer yells. Nichols is pulled from the car and forced to the ground amid aggressive shouting and threats of being tasered. “I’m just trying to go home,” Nichols says. “I’m not doing anything.”
8:25 p.m.: One officer sprays Nichols in the face with pepper spray. Nichols then struggles to his feet and begins running from the officer as one another shoots a taser at him that apparently didn’t make contact. Seven minutes later, another group of police officers announce over the radio that they see Nichols and begin to pursue him on foot.
8:32p.m.: From body-worn camera footage, two officers can be seen on top of Nichols. Nichols is trying to speak but one of the officers tells him to “shut the fuck up.” Officers continue to hit and spray Nichols, struggling with him on the ground and telling him to give them his hands. Nichols keeps yelling “mom.”
8:34 p.m.: One officer tells the other police officers to “watch out,” then pulls out a collapsible police baton and yells at Nichols, “I’m going to baton the fuck out of you. Give me your fucking hands.” A police surveillance camera mounted high up on a pole captured the officer hitting Nichols multiple times with the baton. Nichols struggled back to his feet as he was being hit with the baton. Footage shows the officers continue to try to pull Nichols to the ground, punching him in the face repeatedly before Nichols falls back to his knees. Two officers can be seen on top of Nichols as he lays flat on the ground.
8:36 p.m.: More officers run onto the scene and two officers kick Nichols. A minute later the officers finally move away from Nichols, who continues to lay on the ground, writhing occasionally, with his hands behind his back.
8:38 p.m.: The officers eventually drag Nichols and prop him against a police car, occasionally flashing their flashlights on him as they mill about the area. Two officers fist-bump a minute later. At times, Nichols slumps over on his side on the ground.
8:41 p.m.: Two medical personnel with equipment arrive at the scene. In body worn camera footage, one person can be heard saying, “It’s going to be a while for an ambulance.” Footage shows that 21 minutes pass from when paramedics appear to arrive at 8:41 p.m. to when an ambulance finally pulls into view of the camera at 9:02 p.m.
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No arrests after protesters shut down I-55 bridge in Memphis
From CNN's Mark Morales
Protestors shut down the Interstate 55 bridge in Memphis/
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
There have been no arrests stemming from the protest that shut down the Interstate 55 bridge in Memphis, according to Memphis Police Department police spokesperson Louis Brownlee.
It’s estimated that there are less than 100 demonstrators, and they seem to be starting to disperse, Brownlee said.
There are no other demonstrations of note in Memphis as of now, Brownlee said.
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3 demonstrators arrested in New York City after mostly peaceful protests Friday night
From CNN’s Mark Morales
Police officers take a demonstrator, who smashed the window of a police car, into custody during the protest against the police assault of Tyre Nichols at Times Square in New York, on Friday, January 27.
(Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Three demonstrators were arrested Friday night in Times Square, one of whom was seen jumping on the hood of a police vehicle and breaking the windshield, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department confirmed to CNN.
The person who allegedly broke the vehicles windshield was charged with criminal mischief. There were no further details related to the other two arrests.
Protests in New York City were largely peaceful despite the three arrests and some minor clashes between police and protesters in the city.
People march while protesting the death of Tyre Nichols on January 27, in New York City.
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Rep. Steve Cohen says Tyre Nichols video is "overwhelming to watch"
From CNN's Mary Kay Mallonee
US Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents parts of Memphis, said the video of the beating of Tyre Nichols “is overwhelming to watch.”
Cohen posted a statement on Twitter Friday night after the video was released publicly saying, “It’s clear that Tyre Nichols died because of the brutality and callous disregard, really an appalling lack of humanity, of the Memphis police officers.
Cohen said he was shown the video before it was shared publicly.
“The ‘pack’ mentality of these officers was about inflicting vengeance with no regard for Tyre as a human being,” he said in the statement.
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How governors across the country are reacting to Nichols arrest video
From CNN’s Sara Smart
Governors across the country are reacting to video showing the deadly confrontation between Tyre Nichols and Memphis police. Many of them called for justice and accountability for the officers involved and urged peaceful protests.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called the incident “inhumane and appalling,” saying that “violence has no place in our country, state, and communities.” Polis said, “Americans need to be able to trust those who have chosen to protect them and serve their communities.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said on Twitter he was“horrified by the video footage released earlier today that showed Memphis police officers brutally and inhumanely beating Tyre Nichols. When those sworn to uphold the law violate the rights of those they serve, there must be accountability.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said his family was “deeply saddened” by the newly released footage. He said he is praying for the community and Nichols’ family, adding, “As citizens express their grief and reactions to his killing, the state continues to respect the right of peaceful protest.”
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called for peace in the next few days as more people speak out against police violence. “There must be a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation to ensure accountability, which is the first step toward justice, toward healing, and toward change,” he said on Twitter.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said, “The disturbing and shocking video released this evening displays incomprehensible violence towards another human being and we must condemn these heinous actions.” Youngkin asked people to to come together and “treat one another with love and respect.”
Delaware Gov. John Carney said the body camera footage showed that what happened to Nichols was a “obvious and excessive use of force, with the most tragic result.” In a statement posted on Twitter, he pledged to “redouble our efforts to improve the relationships between police and the communities they serve” in Delaware.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said it was “difficult not to fight back tears watching this video.” He said he is thankful that the Department of Justice is involved in the investigation and called for the officers to be “held to account for their barbarism.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said, “As we grapple with the pain of another Black life lost at the hands of law enforcement, we must recommit to stopping this pattern of violence—both in Minnesota and across the country,” in a post on Twitter.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he sends his “deepest condolences” to Nichols’ family, saying he “should be alive today. He said the video shows “abhorrent behavior and these officers must be held accountable for their deadly actions and clear abuse of power.”
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Medical experts: Tyre Nichols probably died from internal injuries from blunt force trauma
From CNN’s Deidre McPhillips
Tyre Nichols is seen leaning against a police car.
(City of Memphis)
Nichols probably died from internal injuries sustained from blunt force trauma, medical experts told CNN after watching the newly released videos of his traffic stop arrestFriday.
They said the body camera footage includes moments where the assault could have damaged a number of organs – including the liver, lungs or brain – and the damage to any of those could have been fatal.
Nichols died three days after the police encounter in the hospital.
Dr. Kendall Von Crowns, chief medical examiner in Tarrant County, Texas, noted that Nichols’ slim figure meant his organs were “millimeters under his skin surface,” without much padding or other protection from a physical assault.
Internal hemorrhage could limit the amount of blood and oxygen that’s reaching the brain, he said, which could cause a person to become brain-dead before they die.
Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist at George Washington University, said it is not typical for people to die from external blood loss after a beating.
He particularly noted the officers’ use of a baton, which would cause a more “focused” and powerful hit than a fist.
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta told CNN’s Erin Burnett that “the brain is the one organ in the body that doesn’t really have any room to swell, because it’s encased by the skull.”
“As a result, someone may slowly, increasingly lapse into unconsciousness, which seemed to be what was happening with Mr. Nichols,” he said.
Internal hemorrhaging can quickly become deadly.
Paramedics aren’t particularly equipped to help someone with internal injuries like these, Von Crowns said. The focus would have been getting him to the hospital for emergency surgery or transfusion as soon as possible.
The videos show that medical help arrived several minutes later, after Nichols had been propped up beside a car with his hands cuffed behind his back.
“A lot of lost time there, which is so critically important, with somebody who is essentially critically ill, lying on the ground in handcuffs there, with nobody attending to him,” Gupta said.
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Sheriff launches investigation and puts 2 deputies on leave after seeing arrest video
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch and Mark Morales
Two deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have been put on leave pending an investigation after the sheriff viewed the video in the Tyre Nichols’ case.
In a statement, Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said, “Having watched the videotape for the first time tonight, I have concerns about two deputies who appeared on scene following the physical confrontation between police and Tyre Nichols.”
Two Memphis fire personnel are also on administrative leave pending an internal investigation into their actions at the scene, CNN has previously reported.
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Videos show more than 20 minutes pass before a stretcher arrives for Tyre Nichols
From CNN’s Jon Bonifield and Shawn Nottingham
Paramedics check on Tyre Nichols as he lays handcuffed on the ground surrounded by police officers
(Memphis Police Department/AFP/Getty Images)
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
Videos released by the Shelby County District Attorney’s office show the medical response to Tyre Nichols in the moments after his beating.
In a body camera video, a first responder briefly appears to render aid to Nichols but then leaves him unattended on the ground.
Nichols appears to attempt to push himself up to a sitting position a few minutes later while first responders stand around not aiding him.
One person can be heard saying, “it’s going to be awhile for an ambulance”.
The pole cam shows that 23 minutes pass from the time Nichols appears to be subdued and on his back on the ground before a stretcher arrives on scene. Two minutes later, an ambulance pulls into frame.
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"Our hearts are broken, yet again": NBA teams react to Tyre Nichols video
From CNN's Jacob Lev
Basketball teams and groups are reacting to video footage released Friday of Tyre Nichols’ fatal police encounter:
Memphis Grizzlies. Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies called Nichols’ death a “stark reminder” of the position the team is in to unify the city. Before the tipoff of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, both teams held a moment of silence to honor Nichols at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Timberwolves. In a statement posted to Twitter, the Minnesota Timberwolves said the team is “deeply saddened by the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols.”
Cleveland Cavaliers. On Twitter, the Cleveland Cavaliers said they “grieve with Tyre Nichols’ loved ones and offer them our deepest sympathies as they grapple with the pain of his heinous and brutal murder.”
Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta Hawks said on Twitter Friday that they “stand with Memphis,” and shared the hashtag “#JusticeForTyre.”
Miami Heat. The Miami Heat called on fans and people in South Florida to protest peacefully.
National Basketball Players Association. The NBPA said on Twitter that its players “mourn the loss of Tyre Nichols and extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Nichols family during this difficult time.” The association also said it stands by “the rightful arrest of all officers involved.”
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Video appears to show Nichols being repeatedly left twisting on the ground without assistance
From CNN's Andy Rose
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
The first responders at the scene where Tyre Nichols was beaten by police repeatedly walked away from him as he twisted on the pavement with his hands restrained, video taken from a pole-mounted camera showed.
About two minutes after paramedics started attending to Nichols, he is seen falling over to the side and seeming to hit his head against a piece of equipment after a bright light was shone in his face. No one appears to help Nichols as he tries to sit up, only to fall over again. About a minute later, officers are seen crowding around Nichols, only to step away as he again falls onto his side.
After nearly five minutes of standing over Nichols and occasionally shining a light toward his face, first responders walk away, and Nichols twists on the ground unhelped. Medical equipment is finally brought back to Nichols’ side about three minutes later.
An ambulance gurney arrives 28 minutes into the video, shortly after 9 p.m. CT, according to the video’s time stamp.
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Nichols' family attorney says he anticipates more charges as investigation continues
Antonio Romanucci, the attorney for Tyre Nichols’ family
(CNN)
Antonio Romanucci, an attorney for Tyre Nichols’ family, said he anticipates more charges for those involved in Nichols’ death.
“I do anticipate more charges. I’m not going to say what the state’s attorney is going to do, but I will say that in that room, that was absolutely discussed. It has not been ruled out,” he told CNN Friday.
Five former Memphis police officers who were fired for their actions during the arrest of Nichols were indicted on charges including murder and kidnapping Thursday.
The former officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., have each been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two charges of aggravated kidnapping, two charges of official misconduct and one charge of official oppression, Mulroy said.
Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy also previously said the investigation is ongoing and there could be further charges.
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"We saw a man essentially die at the hands of police": Memphis official emotionally describes Nichols video
Martavius Jones, the chair of the Memphis City Council, becomes emotional as he discusses the video with CNN's Don Lemon.
(CNN)
Martavius Jones, the chair of the Memphis City Council, was emotional discussing the newly released video of the deadly encounter between Tyre Nichols and Memphis police.
“We saw a man essentially die at the hands of police,” he told CNN. Jones started crying when thinking about the footage, saying, “We all knew the fate of that young man.”
Asked for his reaction to the video, Jones was not initially able to get any words out. He turned away from the camera and covered his face before grabbing a tissue, shaking his head.
Jones said his term on the city council is ending soon, but before he leaves his elected position, he vowed to do something to “build a better Memphis for Mr. Nichols,” something he acknowledged would require hard conversations. Specifically, Jones pointed to the culture of policing and the mindset officers have when pulling over Black people.
“We have to let his legacy, his sacrifice, the sacrifice that his mother would not have her son anymore — we cannot let this go unaddressed. We cannot let this go unaddressed,” he said.
“We have to do something,” he said. “This wasn’t supposed to happen in our community,” he added.
Video shows Tyre Nichols telling officers during initial confrontation: "I'm just trying to go home"
From CNN's Jamiel Lynch
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
During his initial confrontation with police, Tyre Nichols can be heard telling officers that he is “just trying to go home,” video released by the city of Memphis shows.
“Damn, I didn’t do anything,” Nichols says, as officers approach him with their guns drawn.
“On the ground, on the ground,” officers can be heard yelling at him.
“Alright, I’m on the ground,” Nichols can be heard saying.
“Bitch, put your hands behind your back before I …. I’m going to knock your ass the fuck out,” an officer yells at him.
Nichols responds: “You guys are really doing a lot right now. I’m just trying to go home.”
“Man, if you don’t lay down!” an officer says, to which Nichols responds: “I am on the ground!”
“On your stomach!” an officer yells.
“I … am … please,” Nichols says.
Nichols says one more time, “I’m not doing anything,” before he starts struggling with officers, who deploy pepper spray.
Nichols pulls away and starts to run as one officer tries to tase him.
Video shows police walking around as Nichols slumped to the ground
Body camera footage shows police walking around as Nichols slumped to the ground.
(City of Memphis)
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
In body camera video footage released by the city of Memphis Friday, an officer can be seen tying his boot while Tyre Nichols sits on the ground in handcuffs leaning against a police cruiser.
One officer appears to complain about an injury to his leg and knee. The officers mill about, talking about Nichols escaping custody while he sits next to a police car unattended.
Nichols slumps over and an officer walks over to pull him back upright before directing him to sit up.
Paramedics appear to show up on scene 10 minutes into the body cam video. Nichols does not appear to be conscious.
Officers appear to say at least two officers pepper sprayed Nichols, “saying I sprayed, he sprayed.” Then an officer says another officer tased Nichols.
One officer says, “He swung, pow, almost hit me” followed by a second saying, “Then he reached for (inaudible) gun” while pointing at another officer. One officer says Nichols grabbed his gun saying, “He had his hand on my gun, motherfucker was holding it.”
An officer later describes the traffic stop involving Nichols saying, “We tried to get him stopped, he didn’t stop.”
The officers goes on to say, “He drove around, swerved, nearly hit my car” “He pulled up to the red light, stopped, put his turn signal on.”
Nichols is seen in the video rolling slowly on the ground, attempting to speak as a first responder repeatedly tells him, “you can’t go nowhere.”
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The video of Tyre Nichols' arrest is violent. Here are some resources to take care of yourself.
From CNN's Jen Christensen
The newly released video of the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols is difficult to watch — but it may also be hard to avoid. Some people might even feel duty-bound to watch it as a way to pay tribute to Nichols, who died three days after the confrontation with officers.
Psychologists say the best approach to care for mental health is to know your limits – and possibly to avoid watching the video altogether.
Research shows that frequent exposure to violent news events can cause negative stress reactions. Even witnessing vicarious violence can raise a person’s sense of anxiety and fear and, in some cases, lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Erlanger Turner, a psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at Pepperdine University, said it’s good to do a self-assessment before watching such videos.
Talking to kids: Parents and others who care for children may need to prepare for their questions.
Parents should try to anticipate their kids’ response to seeing or hearing about the video and how to talk about it, Turner said. Will the child be numb to it after seeing so many violent images? Will they be upset? Are they going to be afraid for their parents or for themselves?
Video appears to show Nichols hit by police at least 9 times in less than 4 minutes
From CNN's Elizabeth Hartfield
Video taken from a remotely controlled camera mounted on a neighborhood utility pole shows Tyre Nichols being hit by Memphis police officers at least nine times without visible provocation.
(City of Memphis)
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
Video taken from a remotely controlled camera mounted on a neighborhood utility pole shows Memphis police officers hitting Tyre Nichols at least nine times without visible provocation.
When the camera first turns toward the police scene, an officer is shown shoving Nichols hard to the pavement with a knee or leg.
Nichols is pulled up by his shoulders and then kicked in the face twice. After being pulled up into a sitting position, Nichols is hit in the back with what appears to be a baton. After being pulled to his knees, Nichols is hit again.
Once pulled to his feet, the video shows officers hitting Nichols in the face multiple times while his hands are restrained behind his body, after which he falls to his knees. Less than a minute later, an officer appears to kick Nichols.
More than three minutes after the encounter is first seen on camera, officers let go of Nichols, and he rolls onto his back.
One minute later, Nichols is dragged along the pavement and propped up in a sitting position against the side of a car, where he is largely ignored by officers for the next three-and-a-half minutes. Ten minutes into the video, a person who appears to be a paramedic finally engages Nichols.
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Tyre Nichols heard screaming for his mom during confrontation with police
From CNN's Elizabeth Hartfield
Editor’s note: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence.
A Memphis police officer is heard on newly released body camera video of the Jan. 7 arrest of Tyre Nichols, yelling at Nichols, “I’m going to baton the fuck out of you. Give me your fucking hands.”
Tyre Nichols screams for his mom as the video shows officer arriving on scene at a second location, in a residential neighborhood.
Officers tell Nichols to “give them his hand,” as a struggle ensues on the ground. An officer asks Nichols, “Do you want to get sprayed again?”
Two officers hit and kick Nichols as he is on the ground. Nichols screams, “Mooooom.”
An officer then appears to pepper spray Nichols.
Nichols continue to scream for his mother during the incident.
Officers continue to tell Nichols to give him their hands as Nichols continues to scream for his mother.
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Protesters shut down bridge near downtown Memphis
From CNN's Dave Alsup
Protestors block traffic on the Interstate 55 bridge near downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
(Ariel Cobbert for CNN)
A group of protesters has shut down the Interstate 55 bridge near downtown Memphis, Tennessee, according to a CNN team on scene.
The group of about 200 protesters marched from Martyrs Park, on the southern end of downtown, to the bridge. By about 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET), the group had blocked all lanes on the bridge.
Memphis police asked drivers to avoid the area of I-55 and the Arkansas Bridge.
The demonstration came as CNN and other news outlets publicly played video of Tyre Nichols’ beating by police for the first time.
The crowd could be heard chanting, “No justice, no peace.”
Protestors block traffic on the Interstate 55 bridge.
District attorney says video release is important to Nichols family because they want "world to be their witness"
From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch
Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy said video footage of Tyre Nichols’ arrest was released “because it was important to the community and to Tyre’s family, as they want the world to be their witness and feel their pain.”
“It’s my hope that this tragedy can lead to a broader conversation on police reform. Memphis has a number of local community groups and I urge you to support them in their social justice efforts. We also commit to partnering with them and doing whatever we can with our resources to help our community heal.
