In preparation for the anticipated release of video evidence concerning the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis this week, the Dallas Police Department is preparing for the possibility of protests.
“As more information and the incident video is released in the death of Tyre Nichols, the department is preparing for the possibility of protests and vigils across our city,” said Kristin Lowman, spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department, speaking to The Dallas Express.
“Chief Garcia and Command Staff have been in contact with community and faith leaders, along with our law enforcement partners and city departments,” said Lowman.
Lowman told The Dallas Express that the department’s response teams are on standby and will add additional patrols as needed if anything breaks out.
She also said that the Dallas Police Department’s Fusion Center is monitoring developments and sharing intelligence regarding any possible civil unrest or threats during any protests that may occur.
“Our goal will continue to be to protect an individual’s constitutional right to protest. As a department, we will ensure anyone who chooses to peacefully protest can do so safely and securely in our city,” Lowman told The Dallas Express.
Across the country, protests are expected to erupt in anticipation of the body camera footage.
On January 7, 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was pulled over by Memphis Police for alleged reckless driving. As officers approached, Nichols ran away, according to police.
However, Nichol’s family attorney disputes the law enforcement officials’ version of events. The attorney told reporters that body camera footage will show that Nichols did not originally run when he was approached by police.
Officers pursued Nichols and allegedly beat him during a second confrontation. He was transported to Memphis’ St. Francis Hospital by ambulance in critical condition, according to police.
A use-of-force investigation was initiated after the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office was notified of Nichols’s condition in the hospital, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation news release.
Nichols died of his injuries on January 10.
The five officers involved — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith — were fired from the department.
Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said the five officers violated department policies during the stop that led to Nichols’ death.
All five of the officers were charged with seven counts each of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated kidnapping in possession of a deadly weapon, official misconduct, official misconduct – refrain, and official oppression.
Bond is set at $350,000 for Haley and Martin, and $250,000 for Bean, Mills, and Smith.
The Memphis Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for additional information.
The Dallas Express also reached out to the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats for comments regarding the incident but did not receive any by the time of publication.