Protesters took to the streets on Friday after the release of video showing Memphis police officers beating Tyra Nichols, who died three days later.
In Memphis, protesters closed Interstate 55. Protesters broke down walls and stopped cars when they were in the streets.
They were shouting, “Justice for Tyra Nichols.”
The protesters said they intended to remain peaceful, but they wanted to express their support for Nichols and their displeasure at seeing him being beaten by officers.
Similar protests were taking place across the country. In Washington, DC, protesters chanted “No justice. No peace”.
In New York City and Philadelphia, protesters were demanding to hold accountable those involved in the beating and arrest of Nichols.
Videos shared on Twitter show several protesters being detained in New York’s Times Square after damaging property.
President Joe Biden told reporters that he was “obviously very concerned” that the protests could turn violent.
“The footage that has been released this evening has rightly angered people. Those seeking justice must not resort to violence or destruction. Violence is never acceptable; it is illegal and destructive. I stand by peaceful protests.” Mr. Nichols’s family joins in the call, Biden said in a statement.
During a news conference, Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, called for peace.
“We want peace, we don’t want any commotion, we don’t want any disturbance. We want peaceful protest. This is what the family wants. That’s what the community wants,” Wells said.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said early Friday that all of its field offices had been alerted and stood ready to assist local authorities in responding to protests that could get out of control.
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