Memphis businesses boarded up their windows ahead of the release of the bodycam footage of a police encounter with Tyre Nichols, which resulted in his death.
Nichols was pulled over Jan. 7 for suspected reckless driving, according to Memphis police. After a confrontation between Nichols and police officers, the 29-year-old Black man fled on foot. Another confrontation followed before Nichols was arrested.
BUSINESSES BOARD UP TO PREP FOR POTENTIAL VIOLENCE AHEAD OF TYRE NICHOL'S BODYCAM FOOTAGE RELEASE. WATCH:
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Bodycam footage of the incident is expected to be released Friday after 7 p.m. EST.
Nichols was transported to a hospital and arrived in critical condition. He died three days later as a result of "use-of-force incident with officers," according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The five police officers involved were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and additional felony charges.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis reviewed the bodycam footage and said the actions that led to Nichol’s death were "a failing of basic humanity" during a Wednesday address, but urged people to avoid responding with violence. The Memphis Police Department planned to release the bodycam footage Friday night.
Memphis businesses board up to prepare for potential violence ahead of Tyre Nichols bodycam footage release. (Fox News/Jon Michael Raasch)
RELEASING TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO ON FRIDAY EVENING COULD LEAD TO VIOLENT WEEKEND PROTESTS, EXPERTS SAY
Meanwhile, Nichols family, while devastated and calling for justice, urged demonstrators to protest peacefully during a Friday press conference.
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"We want peace," Nichols stepfather, Rodney Wells, said. "That’s what the family wants. That's what the community wants."
