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Video footage of the fatal encounter included critical moments in which police officers kicked, punched and pepper-sprayed Mr. Nichols, 29, while he screamed.
Throughout the beating, which lasts about three minutes, Mr. Nichols does not appear to ever strike back. Several times, he moves his hands to cover his face, seeming to cower from the officers’ blows.
The five officers charged with the murder of the young Black man are also Black, complicating the anguish and efforts at police reform.
Plus, The New York Times ends its Virus Briefing newsletter, COVID-era food benefits stop at end of February and millions will be affected, and more.
In our final edition of the Virus Briefing newsletter, we offer parting thoughts from those who’ve covered the pandemic.