The Death of Tyre Nichols: A Visual Analysis
WHAT OFFICERS SAID:
- Memphis police officers Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin and Preston Hemphill were the first three officers to encounter Tyre Nichols after pulling him over for what they said was reckless driving. Haley wrote in his response to resistance form that Nichols “ignored all directives” to get out of the car. Haley wrote that Nichols was “swinging his arms” and cursing at the officers.
WHAT THE VIDEO SHOWS:
- But on the body worn camera footage, Nichols was immediately yanked from the vehicle by the officers, while the officers are swearing and shouting and threatening to tase Nichols. The video shows that Nichols is forced down on his knees, while he tries to calmly tell the officers, “I am on the ground.”
WHAT OFFICERS SAID:
- Much later after Nichols has been badly beaten and left for dead, Martin recounts the initial arrest attempt for other officers, claiming that Nichols had been swinging his arms and reaching for one of the officers’ guns.
WHAT THE VIDEO SHOWS:
- Video shows officers recounting the initial arrest. Nichols is physically overpowered by three officers who are using a Taser and pepper spray on him. They are controlling both his arms at one point, physically pushing him to the ground. One officer is behind his back and another holding Nichols’ arm out in front of him. The officers are shouting curses and threatening violence while Nichols is unarmed and has not shown any signs of violence.
