Memphis Protesters Block Traffic On I-55 Bridge After Release Of Tyre Nichols’ Video

Demonstrators marched in Memphis, Tennessee, after the disturbing video of Tyre Nichols’ beating by police officers was released. The protestors originally planned to meet at Martyrs Park, but when they discovered the park was closed, they marched toward the I-55 bridge.

The protest was organized by Black Lives Matter before the footage’s release and shut down all lanes of traffic. The bridge serves as a significant connection between Tennessee and Arkansas, according to FOX13.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area, which was cleared by 9 p.m. Friday night. Protests remained peaceful and appeared to have ended by 10 p.m., with demonstrators saying they would continue through the weekend. 

The group is asking for the Memphis Police Department and the SCORPION unit to be dissolved. In addition, they are asking for officers to use clearly marked cars and to have officers in uniform.

Nichols, 29, died three days after a traffic stop by MPD officers turned violent. Five officers have since been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, and official misconduct related to Nichols’ death. 

This was from last nights protest in the city of Memphis after the release of #TyreNichols body cam footage from MPD. As the family requested, the protest was peaceful. People requested the ban the MPD SCORPION Unit. You can find more information @ABC24Memphis #LocalMemphis pic.twitter.com/InS2Lh7BW6

— Ms. Hernandez (@Herstory1999) January 28, 2023