Original Article

The police report regarding the incident of Tyre Nichols’ beating on January 7 was found to be inconsistent with the videos that have been released afterwards. The report stated that Mr. Nichols was violent and engaged in a physical altercation with police officers, and even attempted to grab one of their guns. However, the videos showed the officers removing Mr. Nichols from his car, threatening him, chasing him, and beating him. Mr. Nichols passed away three days after the incident.

Two more police officers were suspended, in addition to the five who have already been fired and charged with murder. The city’s fire chief terminated two EMTs and a lieutenant who responded to the scene for policy violations.

The police account portrayed Mr. Nichols as the attacker. The police report mentioned that Mr. Nichols was stopped for reckless driving and was resisting a lawful detention when he fought with the officers. However, the videos showed the officers approaching his car with guns drawn, threatening him, and then pulling him out and pushing him to the ground. Mr. Nichols was heard pleading with the officers to stop, but the officers continued to be aggressive. The police report claimed that Mr. Nichols grabbed a detective’s gun, which was not shown in the videos. The report listed the use of a baton, pepper spray, and a Taser, but did not mention the severe beating that the officers inflicted. The report identified Mr. Nichols as the suspect in an aggravated assault and a police officer as the victim. The agency responsible for the content of the report is unclear.