Protests erupted in midtown Manhattan Friday night after the release of body cam and surveillance footage from Memphis showing the beating of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police officers. Earlier in the day, Antifa had vowed to “burn it down” in response to the footage. At least one rioter was arrested.
The windshield of an NYPD car was smashed in Times Square, reporter NJEG media.
President Biden had called for “peaceful protest.” FBI Director Christopher Wray said he was appalled by the footage, which the Memphis PD released in four parts.
Watch:
The windshield of an NYPD police car was smashed in Times Square during the Justice For Tyre Nichols protest. 3 arrests were made. #TyreNichols #nyc #news pic.twitter.com/KuhNHAiMLS
— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) January 28, 2023
This was in response to the graphic footage of the altercation police had with Nichols on January 7, which led to his death in hospital care three days later on January 10.
This after protestors climbed on top of the vehicle and smashed it.
Can we call this a riot yet? pic.twitter.com/Umh2qxcVa8
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 28, 2023
This stemmed from a protest that kicked off in Times Square.
#HappeningNow Protest in Times Square NYC over the police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis #news pic.twitter.com/GC5yoihbRH
— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) January 28, 2023
“Say his name, Tyre Nichols!” The protestors chanted, carrying matching signs that “The people demand end police terror,” and a banner reading “stop the war on black America.”
— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) January 28, 2023
There was a large police presence.
Justice for Tyre Nichols protest continues in New York City with a large police presence. #JusticeforTyreNichols #nyc #news pic.twitter.com/3bgYZ38tla
— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) January 28, 2023
At least one arrest was made.
NYPD makes a targeted arrest against one of the lead marchers with a microphone at the Justice for Tyre Nichols protest, NYC pic.twitter.com/lYqPcMHb9w
— Timcast News (@TimcastNews) January 28, 2023
Freedom News reported that there was a stand off on West 42nd Street and 10th Ave.
#HappeningNow Protesters stand off with the NYPD as police and SRG (Special Response Group) block off the road on W42nd Street and 10th Avenue in Times Square, following #TyreNicholsVideo Release
Video by Ken Lopez @FreedomNTV
FULL STORY https://t.co/QJ2nE1QYX7 pic.twitter.com/DLoIqDHwHh
— Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) January 28, 2023
Protests in Memphis were also fierce, with activsts blocking the way of trucks and traffic which were then unable to pass. In Memphis, as in New York, the “racism” of the police was called out by marchers, but the officers, like Nichols, were all black. Five officers are facing charges as a result of Nichols’ death.
BLM marchers in Memphis are chanting that the police are racist
Every officer involved in the arrest and the suspect were all black https://t.co/IMPUdQCP2b
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 28, 2023
A bridge was shut down in Memphis.
Memphis: A bridge has been shut down by #BLM-style protesters over the death of #TyreNichols. Nichols was allegedly killed by five black cops who were fired and charged with murder. Video by @Julio_Rosas11: pic.twitter.com/Ghs8HgSBtA
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) January 28, 2023
A truck driver tried to convince protestors to let him and his cargo through, but they denied him that right to do his work and move freely.
BREAKING: A black truck driver pleads with protesters to clear the Mississippi River bridge in Memphis so he can get to work
They refusepic.twitter.com/IknX4Ujuit
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 28, 2023
In Memphis, however, Jorge Ventura reported on Tucker Carlson Tonight that police could not be seen in the area of the protests.
Jorge Ventura reports on the lack of police presence at protests over Tyre Nichols' death in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/f6cypKKGP2
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 28, 2023
The idiots that riot and destroy property are no better than the police that killed Tyre. It’s stupid dangerous and they are hurting innocent people who had nothing to do with the incident. They should all be jailed for terrorism.
What is BLM so upset about? All of the police were black! It was not White on black, it was black on black.
Hahahahaha! had to laugh: the Justice for Tyre Nichols Protest!! Come on call it what it is; The Tyre Nichols Rape, Murder and Steal Memorial Service!