Obama responds to Tyre Nichols video: ‘Vicious, unjustified beating’

Former President Barack Obama responded Saturday to the death of Tyre Nichols after Memphis police released graphic bodycam and surveillance video showing him being brutally beaten by five police officers.

In a joint tweet, Barack and Michelle Obama said that Nichols death is “painful reminder” for America.

“The vicious, unjustified beating of Tyre Nichols and his ultimate death at the hands of five Memphis police officers is just the latest, painful reminder of how far America still has to go in fixing how we police our streets,” the Obama’s said.

Nichols died days after Memphis police stopped him for alleged “reckless driving” on Jan. 7. During the traffic stop, officials say that a “confrontation occurred,” which led to Nichols attempting to run away from the officers.

TYRE NICHOLS DEATH: LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUP ‘INFURIATED’ BY ALLEGED ASSAULT DURING TRAFFIC STOP

Former President Barack Obama speaks at a rally to support Michigan democratic candidates at Detroit Cass Tech High School on October 26, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
(Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Another confrontation occurred after officers caught up with Nichols, and left the man complaining about  shortness of breath.

“While attempting to take the suspect into custody, another confrontation occurred; however, 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.” 

TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO: MEMPHIS AUTHORITIES RELEASE FOOTAGE FROM DEADLY TRAFFIC STOP

Nichols was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Memphis in critical condition, but later died on Jan. 10.

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)

Shortly before releasing the video relating to Nichols’ traffic stop, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said that the officers’ conduct was “beyond George Floyd.”

“So, you know, I would have to say that this video illustrates images that I’ve never seen in my career before perpetrated by police officers. You know, for me, it was beyond Rodney King. For me, it was beyond George Floyd. Just the manner in which these officers physically asserted themselves to Mr. Nichols. And even the aggression with language was appalling,” Davis said.

Nichols can be heard saying “I didn’t do anything” in the body camera video as officers yanked him out of the car during the traffic stop.

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

“Watch out, I’ma baton the f— out you,” one officer says.

In the video, officers are seen punching, kicking, and striking Nichols with a baton several times.

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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.