Vigil, protest in Boston as Tyre Nichols police video released in Memphis

Protesters gathered on the Boston Common Friday night as video showing five Memphis police officers beating a Black man was released. On Thursday, the officers were charged with murder in the death of Tyre Nichols. 

Marching down Tremont Street with a line of traffic slowly behind, the group of protesters took to the streets.

The protesters also spoke about the recent police shooting of a Cambridge man which is still under investigation.

Another rally is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Massachusetts State House.  

Community leaders in Boston are calling for peace and justice in the wake of newly released video that shows the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

Mayor Michelle Wu joined local clergy for a vigil in response to the killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. Wu spoke in front of The Embrace Memorial Friday night.

Five former Memphis police officers have been fired and charged with murder after Nichols, a Black man, died three days after a violent traffic stop on Jan. 7.

 "To the Black and brown men of Boston, you deserve to feel and be safe in your cars and in your homes, in our streets, in our stores, the places where you work, and live and celebrate," Wu said. "Please know that we see you and we love you."

Video footage of Nichols' arrest was released Friday night. Memphis and other cities, including Boston, are preparing for possible protests. Nichols' family urged any demonstrators to protest peacefully. 

A protest is planned for Boston Common later Friday night. 

Clergy leaders met in Boston Friday night to discuss the Tyre Nichols video released by Memphis Police. Rev. Kevin Peterson todl WBZ-TV's Tammy Mutasa they were preparing to watch the video with a deep sense of disappointment.

"We're distraught and we're disturbed," said Peterson. "There's a sense of despair not only in Boston but across the nation throughout Black neighborhoods, because once again we are likely to be exposed to police brutality which should not happen."   

The Massachusetts State Police released a statement ahead of video that was released showing the beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. 

"The brutality alleged in these indictments, and supported by the evidence described by Tennessee authorities, represents clear criminality and an utter breach of public trust," the statement said in part.  

Statement from Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox on the death of Tyre Nichols:

The Boston Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the entire family of Tyre Nichols. We share their sadness and outrage at this unnecessary loss of life. We and anyone capable of compassion understand how wrong this incident was and why it evokes anger and frustration.

Acting quickly to hold these officers accountable is imperative. We must stay connected and committed to those we serve. True community oriented policing is about trust building and ensuring the values of the communities we serve are represented is all that we do. People who interact with law enforcement should feel understood and respected. Tonight and every other night, the Boston Police Department will work to ensure the safety of all those who want to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights. We ask that people express their understandable emotions peacefully and do not engage in any unlawful behavior which may impact other people.

It is my intention and my promise to ensure that the Boston Police Department practices fair, procedurally just, community centric policing while holding accountable any of our staff unable to live up to these values. In addition, the BPD is committed to training and preparing our officers to be a part of the City by listening and protecting all that is dear to the residents of Boston. Our work can always improve and we will continue to do what we can to better communicate and partner with those in our City each day.