Tyr Nichols demonstrations in North Texas remain peaceful

DALLAS – The Memphis Police Department disbanded the Scorpions, whose officers were seen on video beating Tyre Nichols to death.

On Saturday, the police director said she listened carefully to Nichols’ relatives and public figures in making her decision.

The officers currently assigned to the unit agreed to the action.

READ MORE: Tyre Nichols: Memphis PD Disbands Death Beating Special Forces

The move came a day after Memphis police released video showing officers inflicting at least nine punches on Nichols while Memphis police were arresting him.

The 29-year-old man died three days later.

There were demonstrations across the country after his death, including here in North Texas. A protest was held in front of Dallas City Hall.

Saturday’s protests and demonstrations were peaceful following Friday night’s nationwide protests immediately following the release of the video.

The brutal video shows police brutally beating Nichols during a traffic stop on January 7.

Five officers were fired and are now facing charges, including second-degree murder after Nichols died from his injuries.

A day after the more than an hour long video was made public, protesters continue to call for accountability.

The group gathered at the White Garden in downtown Dallas on Saturday afternoon.

“If it doesn’t affect your humanity, then nothing will,” said one person.

READ MORE: Bodycam video shows cops beating Tyre Nichols for minutes

A four-part video posted Friday shows police pulling Nichols out of his car for suspected reckless driving.

On Friday, the Memphis police chief said her department was unable to substantiate the charge of reckless driving that caused the stop.

After getting out of his car, the police used a stun gun on Nichols, after which he ran away.

When the officers caught up with him, they sprayed him with pepper spray and beat him.

Nichols could be heard calling for his mother.

A camera on top of the pole showed officers kicking Nichols as he lay on the ground and then lifting him up to hit him repeatedly.

Another officer started beating Nichols with a truncheon.

The audio showed what the officers were talking about at the time.

READ MORE: Dallas police prepare for possible protests over Memphis murder

On Friday night, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia released a video message saying the protests would last until the weekend.

“The controversial actions of these few former officers do not represent thousands of respected police officers across the country,” he said. “As a department, we ensure that anyone who chooses to peacefully protest or picket does so safely and securely in our city.”

Late Friday and Saturday, a growing number of law enforcement agencies from across North Texas also released written statements condemning the actions of Memphis police officers and expressing condolences to Nichols’ loved ones and the entire Memphis community.

The Lake Worth police chief even tweeted, “I also want more than words. I want my actions, character and the way I carry myself to reflect the change that we are all striving for.”