Biden calls Tyre Nichols family hours before bodycam’s public release

President Biden spoke with the family of Tyre Nichols on Friday and commended the family’s “courage and strength” during a phone call.

Biden made the call on Friday as Memphis officials are expected to release body camera video of the traffic stop that would lead to Nichols’ death. The family has already had the opportunity to view the video.

“President Biden spoke with Mrs. RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells, Tyre Nichols’ mother and stepfather, this afternoon to directly express his and Dr. Biden’s condolences for Tyre Nichols’ death. During the conversation, the President commended the family’s courage and strength,” a White House official said.

Memphis police pulled over Nichols on Jan. 7 at around 8:30 p.m. for “reckless driving” and a “confrontation occurred” while the stop was taking place, according to officials,” which then led to Nichols attempting to run away from the officers. When police caught up with Nichols, they say another confrontation occurred, and he then complained to the officers of shortness of breath.

WHITE HOUSE SAYS ‘VIOLENCE IS UNACCEPTABLE’ AMID EXPECTED PROTESTS OVER TYRE NICHOLS BODYCAM VIDEO

President Joe Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2021
(Andrew Caballero)

“The suspect was ultimately apprehended,” MPD said. “Afterward the suspect complained of having shortness of breath, at which point an ambulance was called to the scene.” 

Nichols was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition but died on Jan. 10, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

BIDEN SAYS TYRE NICHOLS DEATH A ‘PAINFUL REMINDER’ OF ‘DISPARATELY IMPACTED’ MINORITIES IN JUSTICE SYSTEM

This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as joyful and lovable. Nichols was just minutes from his home in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 7, 2023, when he was pulled over by police and fatally beaten. Five Memphis police officers have since been charged with second-degree murder and other offenses. 
(Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP)

Five former Memphis police officers were fired after the incident and are being charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault as well as other charges.

Biden has previously released a statement stating that more work needs to be done within the criminal justice system, and also called for any protest to remain peaceful.

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Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.
(Memphis Police Department)

“Public trust is the foundation of public safety and there are still too many places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken. Tyre’s death is a painful reminder that we must do more to ensure that our criminal justice system lives up to the promise of fair and impartial justice, equal treatment, and dignity for all,” Biden said in the statement. “As Americans grieve, the Department of Justice conducts its investigation, and state authorities continue their work, I join Tyre’s family in calling for peaceful protest. Outrage is understandable, but violence is never acceptable. Violence is destructive and against the law.  It has no place in peaceful protests seeking justice.”