How the Nation is Responding to the Tyre Nichols Traffic Stop

A group of demonstrators protest outside a police precinct in response to the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers, in Memphis, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.

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On January 7, 2023, 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was stopped by Memphis Police Officers due to a claim of reckless driving. He was later taken to the hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead on January 10, 2023.

Footage of the traffic stop was released allowing the public to witness the horrific events that transpired that evening. The footage shows Nichols being beaten, tased, and pepper-sprayed by the officers without an attempt to render aid.

We discuss reactions from across the nation, including protests taking place, why we're experiencing an increase in police violence, and what change needs to happen to prevent this in the future.

With us to answer legal questions regarding aspects of the investigation and the charges against the officers, is law professor Njeri Mathis Rutledge.

We talk with psychologist Dr. Apryl Alexander, who shares her thoughts on how we can process seeing the horrific content of the footage and having difficult conversations that need to happen to enact change.

Plus, Sergeant Brandon Love, President of Afro-American Police Officers League, shares his thoughts on the incident from a law enforcement perspective.

Guests:

Njeri Mathis Rutledge