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Memphis police video described as prolonged, brutal attack by family, attorneys who have seen footage
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- After five Memphis police officers were charged on Thursday in the death of Tyre Nichols following a traffic stop earlier this month, authorities say video footage of the encounter will be released to the public late Friday.
And amid concerns over what's been described in the footage as a vicious beating of Nichols by police, officials are calling for any demonstrations over Nichols' death to be conducted in a civil manner
And amid concerns over what's been described in the footage as a vicious beating of Nichols by police, officials are calling for any demonstrations over Nichols' death to be conducted in a civil manner
.Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones told CNN Thursday he hopes the charges brought forth against the officers will help allay concerns from the community that the matter is not being treated seriously.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH MORE "Our next step is going to see what the video actually looks like, and we hope that since we've delivered this accountability, that the community will accept that steps are being taken to bring justice to those individuals responsible for this act," Jones said.
Nichols, 29, had fled from his vehicle following a traffic stop on Jan. 7, police said. After a brief pursuit, responding officers captured Nichols, who required hospitalization after the arrest and died on Jan. 10.
Nichols family attorney Ben Crump said the footage will "remind you of Rodney King in many regards," referencing the 1991 Los Angeles police beating that sparked outrage across the country. Though the King incident involved White officers -- Nichols and the five Memphis officers charged are Black -- the violence seen is similar, according to Crump.
"Being assaulted, battered, punched, kicked, tased, pepper sprayed. It is very troubling," he said.
Police officials in a number of major cities nationwide have said they are monitoring for any possible public outcry this weekend over what will be seen in the video footage.
Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells, is asking for supporters to be peaceful during demonstrations, saying at a vigil in Memphis on Thursday that she wants "each and every one of you to protest in peace."
"Being assaulted, battered, punched, kicked, tased, pepper sprayed. It is very troubling," he said.
Police officials in a number of major cities nationwide have said they are monitoring for any possible public outcry this weekend over what will be seen in the video footage.
Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells, is asking for supporters to be peaceful during demonstrations, saying at a vigil in Memphis on Thursday that she wants "each and every one of you to protest in peace."