On Wednesday, authorities were expected to release 20 additional hours of footage from the traffic stop that led to the death of Tyre Nichols. However, a judge in Tennessee ruled to delay the release of the footage after Blake Ballin, a defense attorney for one of the former officers involved in the traffic stop, argued that the release of the footage may taint potential jurors.
“The court orders that the release of videos, audio, reports, and personnel files of City of Memphis employees related to this indictment and investigation (to include administrative hearings, records and related files) shall be delayed until such time as the state and the defendants have reviewed this information,” the order reads.
Reverend Al Sharpton of the National Action Network fired back at the decision. In a statement, he questioned, “What else are these cops worried this new footage is going to show?”
“Delaying the release of this footage is delaying justice for Tyre Nichols and his family. The first round of body camera footage was disturbing on its own – and should be enough to convict all officers charged with this murder,” Sharpton said.
“What else are these cops worried this new footage is going to show? From the start, we said this needs to be a transparent process. To tell the public you will release more evidence and then pull it back at the 11th hour only causes more frustration for a city still reeling from this senseless killing. The National Action Network will not stop fighting until we have justice for Tyre Nichols and I call on the court to make this additional footage public immediately.”
As the family of Tye Nichols fights to have additional footage released, the Department of Justice continues to review the conduct of the Memphis Police Department. The DOJ’s COPS office will also investigate the use of specialized forces in policing.
“In the wake of Tyre Nichols’s tragic death, the Justice Department has heard from police chiefs across the country who are assessing the use of specialized units and, where used, appropriate management, oversight and accountability for such units,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said.
“The COPS Office guide on specialized units will be a critical resource for law enforcement, mayors and community members committed to effective community policing that respects the dignity of community members and keeps people safe.”
