A recent dashcam video released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol captures a trooper skillfully maneuvering around a protester in Memphis. The footage has been used to counter widespread online allegations that the man was struck by the patrol car.
The video, shared on social media by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, depicts the trooper attempting to navigate through a crowd of protesters. At one point, a man, seemingly part of the protest, emerges from behind a white SUV and steps into the trooper’s path.
Clad in a bright orange construction vest and carrying a handheld radio, the man raises his hands and positions himself directly in front of the trooper’s vehicle.
The trooper’s voice can be heard clearly on the video, urging the man to move by shouting, “Move! Get out of my way! Get out of my way! Move!”
The patrol has released this dashcam footage to address and dismiss viral claims suggesting the protester was hit during the demonstration. The video instead shows the protester grabbing the patrol car and then falling to the ground.
Despite the trooper’s warning, the protester shakes his head and gestures with his index finger, seemingly indicating for the trooper to “hold on.”
The protester then grabbed the patrol vehicle’s push bars and fell backward, appearing to act as if he had been hit by the trooper’s vehicle.
The protester dramatically fell backwards while holding on to the patrol car’s push bar. (Tennessee Highway Patrol)
He then pulled himself up, raised his index finger at the trooper once more, and walked back to his vehicle.
The video circulated on social media with claims the man was hit by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper, claims the agency called false.
The protester popped right back up after falling backwards. (Tennessee Highway Patrol)
“We respect and protect the right of people to protest peacefully,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol said. “That right, however, does not include entering active roadways or placing themselves in danger.
“In this case, video clearly shows the individual holding onto the front of the trooper’s vehicle, lying down, then standing back up afterward and leaving the scene under his own power,” the statement continued. “At no point does the video show the individual being run over or injured, despite the narratives circulating on social media.”
The agency added that its priority is public safety for protesters, motorists and troopers.
“When someone enters the roadway, it creates a serious and immediate risk, and troopers are trained to respond to prevent injuries or worse outcomes,” the agency added.
