All five officers involved have since been fired and charged with murder.
In North Texas, the Dallas Police Department spent Friday preparing for planned protests over this latest incident of police brutality.
Nichols’ family made a public plea for any and all protests to remain peaceful.
Dominique Alexander, President and CEO of Dallas-based advocacy group Next Generation Action Network organized a protest that drew roughly 40 people outside of the Dallas Police Department's headquarters.
"If we don’t find a way to accomplish and end police brutality and this culture of violence on black and brown communities, we will continue to keep on going in this circle," Alexander said.
Dallas Police Department Chief Eddie Garcia posted a video to the department’s social media pages, calling the former Memphis officers’ actions in Nichol’s death “despicable.”
“He [Nichols] should still be here with his friends and family,” said Garcia.
Garcia said he understands emotions are high, demands for justice and calls for change will be made; he just asks the residents to protest safely and in a peaceful manner as the Nichols family asked.
“As your chief, we will do all that we can to build on the trust that we’ve already established for those who live in our great city,” Garcia said. “I know these are just words and a message, that it will be our actions as a department that will show you our commitment to you in doing what is right.”
He applauded Memphis’ leadership in the swift actions against the officers involved in Nichols’ death and said he and the city of Dallas stand by the Nichols family.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson released a statement after he viewed the video Friday evening, saying in part, "I am shocked and disgusted by the reprehensible acts of violence shown in these videos. The actions of these former police officers were disgraceful and a betrayal of their oath to uphold the law and protect their community.'"
Other law enforcement officials and city leaders share their thoughts:
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes released a statement, saying that the details surrounding the death are disturbing, tragic, and a contradiction to the service of thousands of officers.
"When force is used without justification or restraint, it undermines confidence and trust in law enforcement throughout the country," Noakes said.
Noakes further said that moments like this highlight the critical importance of good police work and community engagement, and emphasize the important of treating the public with dignity and respect.
"Every interaction officers have with citizens is an opportunity to build trust," Noakes said. "The men and women of the Fort Worth Police Department will continue working diligently to enhance trust and relationships with all the communities we serve through professional service, transparency and accountability."
Irving Police Chief Derick Miller called the Memphis officers' actions "appalling."
The Grand Prairie Department Police Chief Daniel Scesney said, "Real cops don’t punch and kick restrained people. Period."
Lewisville Police Chief Kevin Deaver said "I am shocked that any person could show such a level of callous cruelty to another human being, regardless of circumstances."
Flower Mound Police Chief Andy Kancel said what happened was "absolutely reprehensible and he was "horrified and disgusted watching the released footage."
The Arlington Police Department said it "unequivocally denounces the actions of the now-former officers" and it "does not align with the training or established best practices of our profession."
North Richland Hills Police Chief Jimmy Perdue said "the brutal beating and the blatant disregard for Mr. Nichols Civil Rights do not represent the caliber of officer this profession demands."
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said what happened to Nichols was "not just criminal, but it put on display a violation of public trust that communities should have in the policing profession."
