Demonstrators brave Denver cold to protest Tyre Nichols’ killing
Denver, CO – Dozens of angry Denverites braved freezing temperatures to gather at the Colorado State Capitol to protest the brutal police killing of Tyre Nichols. The protests came two days after the Memphis Police Department released graphic body camera footage showing the police beating of Nichols.
Several groups, including the Denver Communists, helped organize the demonstration. Those behind the event said they do not believe any fundamental progress has happened since the George Floyd protests in 2020.
Five Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, and official misconduct and oppression for their alleged roles in the death of Nichols. The Scorpion Unit, of which the officers were members, has been disbanded as rallies were held around the U.S. to demand sweeping police reform.
How can you obey confusing police orders?
Following the release of the Tyre Nichols killing tapes, the media poured over the chilling footage. According to the New York Times, the officers fired a barrage of confusing orders during the fateful traffic stop. In those 13 minutes, the officers issued no less than 71 orders to Nichols. Sometimes the orders contradicted each other and Nichols couldn’t have followed them.
For instance, one officer demands he gives his hands, while other officers each have a hold of his left and right arm. Likewise, one officer asks Nichols to lie on his stomach, although other officers were pinning him down and he couldn’t move.
If you are stopped by the police, you must, indeed, comply with their orders. If you don’t, you risk being charged with failure to comply with a police officer’s demands, in addition to any other charges they may bring against you, such as a traffic violation,
“A person shall not wilfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of a police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.”
Seasoned Denver police brutality lawyers say that, in their experience, most people try to comply with police orders, even though they are often confusing.
As an example, during a routine police stop the officer may order the driver: “Keep your hands where I can see them” and, in the next breath, ask to see their license. If the driver reaches into a bag or glove compartment, they will be violating the first order.
Another example, a police car pulls up behind you and the officer turns on his lights. If that happens on the highway and there’s no place where you can stop you may have to drive for another half mile to find a safe spot. However, the officer may feel disrespected and they may become violent.
Experienced Colorado police brutality lawyers warn that members of the public should do their best to comply with lawful police orders. Never try to escalate a situation where the other person has a Taser and a firearm. If you feel your constitutional rights have been violated, go see a reliable police misconduct lawyer and file a complaint or lawsuit.
If you were a victim of any type of police misconduct, you should contact an experienced civil rights lawyer at the Bryan & Terrill law firm to see if you have a case.
Contact info:
333 W. Hampden Ave., #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
(720) 923-2333
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