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Bodycam footage reveals Tyre Nichols waited 22 MINUTES for ambulance after brutal assault by cops

The footage demonstrates that once authorities declared Nichols was in custody, it took 22 minutes for an ambulance and a stretcher to reach him

WARNING: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Tyre Nichols, 29, was fatally injured after being pulled over earlier this month. The city of Memphis later released three body camera videos, as well as footage shot from atop a street pole. These videos collectively show the kicks, punches, and baton strikes police officers used to grievously injure Nichols.

The videos released by the Memphis Police Department, which last for nearly an hour in total, came with a disclaimer that they contained graphic material. One bodycam video starts with police exiting their vehicle and approaching Nichols' vehicle, where another officer, already present, is removing him from the driver's seat. The officers kicked and punched Nichols, and they also tasered him, according to the video of the incident that Nichols' family has viewed. Second-degree murder and additional offenses are being brought against the policemen, who were fired last week. The footage demonstrates that once authorities declared Nichols was in custody, it took 22 minutes for an ambulance and a stretcher to reach him.

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Following the release of the video, protests were anticipated all around the country. Both the family of Nichols and law enforcement officials are pleading with the public to demonstrate peacefully, as per Washington Post.

Biden and other lawmakers weigh in on tragedy

President Biden and other politicians voiced their sorrow and fury late on January 27 when the video of the events that led to Tyre Nichols' death was made public by the police. Biden reiterated his need for an immediate probe and nonviolent demonstrations after a conversation with Nichols' parents earlier that day. In order to prevent police misbehavior, he also asked Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. “There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a beloved child and young father,” Biden said. The video of Nichols’s beating is “another painful reminder” of the fear that Black and Brown Americans face, he added.

The former police officer and New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) expressed his shock and fury. “And as someone who spent decades fighting for police diversity and against police abuse, I feel betrayed,” he said. Martavius Jones, a councilman from Memphis, sobbed uncontrollably while being interviewed by CNN. “It wasn’t supposed to end like this,” he said. “Tyre Nichols should be alive today,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) said the footage of Nichols was “painful to witness.” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said the five police officers pictured hitting him had committed a heinous, "criminal abuse of power."

Could prompt medical aid have saved Tyre Nichols?

Nichols was pulled over by police for dangerous driving around 8:30 that night, according to the first police report made public on January 7. After a "confrontation occurred" when the cops approached Nichols, he fled the scene on foot. There was a second altercation, according to the officials, before the officers ultimately took him into custody. An ambulance was then called to the scene after the suspect complained of having shortness of breath, according to police. It took 22 minutes for help to arrive. When Nichols finally reached the hospital, his condition was severe. He died three days later on January 10. It is not known if Tyre Nichols would have survived if he had received medical aid earlier.