The Murder of Tyre Nichols

A new victim, same perpetrator. Yusuf Kamran unveils the systematic prejudice in the justice system of the United States.

On January 7th 2023, Tyre Nichols was arrested for alleged reckless driving by 5 police officers: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. Body cam footage begins with police pulling out guns and exclaiming “Get out the car… You’re gonna get blown up!”. Nichols did not get out of the car, but was then forcibly pulled out to the ground.

Nichols stated “okay” multiple times as he was slowly getting on the ground to which officers stated “I’m gonna taze you”. Nichols got on the ground and had his hands behind his back, but was not lying down on his stomach The officers began to threaten him with “I’m gonna knock you out… I’m gonna break you”. Nichols was getting closer to being stomach down, but when the officers pepper sprayed him in the eyes, Nichols attempted to run away. When caught, the officers injured him multiple times whilst the others held Nichols’ arms back. The officers struck him with a baton multiple times. Nichols is then slumped against a police car for 20 minutes with his hand behind his back before receiving aid for trouble breathing.

Tyre Nichols’ autopsy reports coupled with his mother’s statement have revealed the details of his critical condition: swollen shut eyes, bruised and swollen head, broken neck, extreme extensive bleeding, cardiac arrest, and failed kidneys. His mother describes how her son was beaten by “over 1000 pounds” whereas he weighed only “150 pounds”. On the hospital bed, his mother unfortunately knew he was “gone” solely at the sight of him. Tyre Nichols unfortunately died 3 days later on the 10th of January 2023.

The officers approached the vehicle with unjustified excessive force (pointing their firearms is an example of excessive force that can only be used if there is a life threatening case) They verbally threatened to kill and harm him, whilst using profanity. The officers arresting him did not state his charges. Nichols was listening to the orders to get on the floor and put his hands behind his backalbeit he did not respond to the order to lie down on his stomach instead of his side, an action that did not require the police to use pepper spray.