Memphians took to the streets in protest Friday after the city released body cam footage of the killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.
Five former Memphis Police officers face murder charges in connection with Nichols’ killing. Cities across the country prepared for demonstrations in the wake of the video’s release.
In Arkansas, law enforcement officials were quick to condemn the officers’ actions. A statement from Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton called the incident “horrific” and offered prayers and condolences to Nichols’ family.
“As Chief of the Little Rock Police Department, I fully resolve to ensure that our officers have the tools and training necessary to protect our community, along with a commitment to the ethical treatment of everyone we encounter,” the statement reads. “Our oath to protect and serve must be upheld with this guiding principle to see the humanity in every single resident of our great city.”
North Little Rock Police Chief Patrick Thessing made similar promises in a statement, saying “there are no words to describe the brutality and complete disregard for the value of human life” on display in the video of Nichols’ killing.
A statement from the White House said federal officials held a briefing Friday afternoon with mayors of several cities, including Little Rock, on preparations by the federal government ahead of the video’s release.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said late Friday he "grieve[s] deeply for Tyre Nichols and his family," saying he's committed to holding the LRPD to account.
Multiple videos posted to social media appear to show protestors blocking traffic on the Interstate 55 Mississippi River bridge linking Memphis to Arkansas.
As of Friday evening, no significant protests appeared to be underway in Little Rock.
UPDATE: A statement posted to Twitter by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders at 4:45 p.m. Saturday afternoon reads as follows:
"We are praying for Tyre Nichols’ family and all of Memphis. May God bring peace, healing and justice. Out of an abundance of caution, I authorized [the Arkansas National Guard] to serve as reinforcements to law enforcement in West Memphis and aid w/ keeping major highways operational and safe."
The Arkansas Department of Transportation on Saturday said it planned to close the eastbound lanes of the Interstate 40 bridge between Memphis and Arkansas until anticipated protests die down. The Tennessee Highway Patrol planned to close the westbound lanes of the bridge leading into Memphis.
