Tire Nichols died from injuries he is believed to have received when he was arrested by police earlier this year in Memphis, USA. Now images showing the arrest are being released, and the police fear riots when they spread.
The video, which was released on Friday evening local time, shows how 29-year-old Tire Nichols calls out for his mother as he is held and beaten by the police for three minutes, according to the AP news agency. Among other things, the police kick him in the face repeatedly.
The officers stopped and arrested Nichols for reckless driving. After a confrontation, he runs away and is only caught after a chase. He receives several brutal blows from the five police officers involved at the scene. The incident was recorded by police body cameras.
Three days later, Tire Nichols dies in hospital, after complaining of shortness of breath.
The five police officers have been fired and are now facing charges including murder, aggravated assault and kidnapping.
President Biden calls for calm
After the video was released on Friday night, people have gathered in Washington and Memphis, among others, to protest against police violence.
In Memphis, protesters chanted, “Say his name! Tire Nichols!” and several dozen people blocked a heavily trafficked bridge over the Mississippi River.
President Joe Biden has come out and urged calm, as have local leaders and police.
Watch parts of the footage from the fatal beating in the player above.