Memphis police are bracing for possible public outrage once the footage is released Friday. After-school events in the city were canceled in advance.

Nichols' mother, Rowvaughn Wells Nichols, said she understands the footage is awful but she doesn't want violence.

"From what I hear, it's going to be horrific," said Mrs. Nichols. "But I want each and every one of you to protest in peace."

The five officers involved in the attack on Nichols are charged with second-degree murder, assault, and aggravated kidnapping. 

Steve Mulroy, Shelby County District Attorney General explained although each of the police officers played different roles in the killing, "They are all responsible" and "under the laws of Tennessee, second-degree murder is a knowing killing."

Memphis prosecutors say the body cam video shows officers first used pepper spray on Nichols during the initial traffic stop. Then the 29-year-old escaped from the police, but Nichols' family said he ran away because he was only trying to get home.

Police caught up with Nichols, and that's when they brutally assaulted him. 

An ambulance was called to the scene after Nichols complained of shortness of breath. He ended up in the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died three days later.

"The actions of these officers were awful, and no one, including law enforcement, is above the law," Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland insisted.

The charges against the five police officers came after an investigation determined they violated a number of department policies including excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis suggested the officer's actions went beyond the rules of proper police conduct. "This is not just a professional failing, this is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual. This incident was heinous, reckless, and inhuman," she said. 

Speaking through attorney William Massey, the five black police officers said they are innocent of the charges against them. "No one is guilty until a jury says they're guilty," he said.

The police body cam footage from the incident is set to be released today at 2 PM. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

72-Hour Revival at Baylor Leads to 20+ Baptisms: 'A Compelling Invitation to Know Jesus'

Erin Brewer Explains the Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Gender Dysphoria

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Signs Law Banning 'Gender Transitions' for Children, Males in Female Bathrooms

World Athletics Bans Transgender Athletes from Competing in Female Sports

House Fails to Override Biden's First Presidential Veto over Woke ESG Investment Rule

Senator Rand Paul Probes State Dep't Funding for Coronavirus Research: 'The American Public Needs to Know'

Federal Appeals Court Blocks Biden's Vaccine Mandate for US Government Workers

Many Are Escaping Iran, and 'Hundreds Have Come to Faith in Jesus Christ' in the Process

Netanyahu: 'No Law' Will Pass in Knesset That 'Harms Christianity'

COVID in the 2030s: How Endless Booster Shots Will Devastate the Health of Our Children

Federal Agency Contradicts Biden, Says Student Loan Cancellation Not in Effect

Daily Signal Exclusive: GOP Bill Would Make Abortionists Report Victims of Trafficking

Is This the Bombshell Evidence That Destroyed Bragg's Case against Trump?

Trans-'Woman' (Biological Male) Finishes in First Place at New York City Women's Cycling Event, Sparks Anger

Ugandan Parliament Passes 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill,' Infuriating the Pro-LGBT West

'Cusp of Great Spiritual Awakening': Pastors Report Fresh 'Fire' in Wake of Methodist Mass Exodus

Ohio's Proposed New Abortion Amendment Will Take the State Back to the 'Dark Ages', Say Faith Leaders (VIDEO)

Supreme Court Vacates Ruling that Minors Have Constitutional 'Right' to Abortion; One Justice Dissents

NJ Mom Treated Like a Terrorist Threat, 'Demonized' for Questioning Sexual Posters in Elementary School

Wyoming Bans Gender-Confused Male Students from Competing in Girls' Sports—However...