Following the release of a video from Friday night in which police officers are beating up Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, President Biden expressed his outrage over the footage.
In a public statement following the video’s release, President Biden noted that the video of the beatings that ended up causing Tyre Nichols’ death has been “another painful reminder” of the “fear”, “trauma” and “pain” that Black and Brown Americans have to go through every day.
On Friday, Biden had spoken with RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells, Nichols’ mother and stepfather, to express condolences.
Nichols died later after the assault by the police officers who had made a traffic stop on Jan. 10. In the video it is clearly seen that the officers use pepper-spray and a stun gun, and then continue to beat Nichols. The video was captured from polecam, SkyCop, and the police body cam footage.
Following the release of the video the five police officers had been fired and are now being charged with various offenses including second-degree murder.
Biden in his own statement expressed his condolences to Nichols’ family, and Americans in Memphis and across the nation who have been affected by the “painful loss.” He added that it is justifiable for those who have seen the footage to be outraged and to want justice. However, he urged people to opt for a peaceful protest and not resort to distracting properties and causing damage, adding that violence is never the answer.
