LAPD Concerned About Video Release

LAPD Senior Lead Officers have reached out to most of our local neighborhoods this morning warning of potential civil unrest in reaction to a disturbing video police officials in Memphis, TN are planning to release.  The release was originally expected as early as this afternoon, but CNN is now reporting it has been moved to after 6 p.m. Central Time on Friday. The timing of the release has been delayed to give local officials an opportunity to show the community the legal system is working and the officers will be held accountable.  Local officials have praised the family for their patience and are working with faith leaders calling for calm and peaceful protests in anticipation of the video, according to the New York Times.

According to information being circulated by Hancock Park Homeowners Association, Windsor Square Association, and Miracle Mile Residential Association, LAPD officials say the very disturbing video shows a police encounter in Tennessee on January 7, following a traffic stop, that resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols three days later. Officials are concerned the video’s release  “may lead to protests and civil unrest akin to the George Floyd aftermath.”

As of this morning, the five officers involved in the incident have been fired, and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, official misconduct and official oppression. They have all been booked and are now in custody. But police around the country are still bracing for civil unrest following release of the video.

Senior Lead Officers Joe Pelayo and Dave Cordova both stressed that LAPD does not have any details on planned protests.

“We are informing the community out of an abundance of caution,” Cordova told the Buzz this morning. “We plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

Below is the text of the alerts being shared by HPHOA, WSA and MMRA. (Please note the information on criminal charges against the officers has been updated above.  Charges have now been filed against all five officers, and they are in custody.)

SLO Cordova had no specific information about planned unrest in Los Angeles, but LAPD are on stand by and wanted to alert the community. Also, recall that Larchmont Village was a target during the summer 2020 civil unrest.

We wanted to bring this to your attention and urge caution this afternoon and evening if the video is released.

Here is some further background from news reports:

• • Bodycam footage showing the beating death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis, TN police officers is expected to be released in the coming days, possibly as early as this afternoon (Thursday 26 January). Police departments, private businesses, and civilian leadership are gearing up across the country for possible unrest in reaction to the video.
  • Tyre Nichols was beaten by five Memphis police officers following a traffic stop on 07 January 2023. He died from his injuries in hospital three days later.
  • The officers involved were fired by the Memphis Police Department on 20 January following an internal investigation.
  • Criminal charges may yet be filed against the officers, as the City of Memphis is reportedly seeking a Grand Jury indictment against the officers involved. The footage is likely to be released if and when the indictment moves forward.
  • Previous incidents of police brutality have led to both localized and widespread unrest in the U.S., most notably during the summer of 2020 following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of his murder.
  • Anecdotal reports indicate the footage is likely to cause a significant reaction.
  • There are reports that large police departments, including the Chicago Police Department, are cancelling regular days off and going to extended shifts in anticipating of potential unrest.