Police unit whose members were responsible for the lynching tyre nichols The release of a video showing his murder has sparked nationwide outrage.
decide to do “Permanently Deactivate” the “Scorpion” Unit On Saturday, city police chief CJ Davis met with the remaining officers of the unit to discuss the way forward in the wake of Nichols’ death.
it comes because protesters took Roads to Rallies across the United States She is pleading for justice in the death of a 29-year-old youth.
The video shows a violent confrontation between the officers and Nichols, during which the officers can be seen punching him and using batons and Taser weapons as he cries out for his mother.
The officers were seen standing around after the attack and laughing and joking about their role in the shocking arrest as they failed to provide any sort of medical care.
Protests broke out soon after the video was released on Friday night, with protesters participating in Memphis Closing a bridge on I-55. City police say no arrests have been made.
Police in riot gear face off with protesters in Los Angeles after a crowd gathers outside the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters.
Nichols died shortly after a candlelight vigil was held in the city for Nichols and Keenan Anderson, who died in the city earlier this month following a confrontation with police.
Three protesters were arrested in New York, one of whom Broke the police car and windshield, According to NYPD.
Marches were expected on Saturday in Memphis, Georgia, Boston, Columbus, Baltimore, Salt Lake City and Pittsburgh, among other cities.
Demonstrators march during a protest in Atlanta, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, over the death of Tyra Nichols after being beaten by Memphis police.
(AP)
Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis announced the decision to close the ‘Scorpion’ unit on Saturday.
“In the process of listening carefully to Tyra Nichols’ family, community leaders, and unrelated officers who have done a quality job in their assignments, it is in everyone’s best interest to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,” The department said in a statement,
“The officers currently assigned to the unit agree unreservedly with this next step. While the heinous actions of some individuals cloud the title SCORPION with disgrace, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department, engage in the healing process for all affected.” Take proactive steps.
The MPD said the department was “committed to taking every possible measure to rebuild the trust that was negatively affected by the death of Mr. Tyre Nichols.”
Meanwhile, two sheriff’s deputies in Tennessee who responded to the scene of Tyra Nichols’ fatal arrest have been “relieved of duty” following the release of video of the incident.
The move by Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. was revealed in bodycam footage The fatal arrest of Tyra Nichols One day Friday evening finally made public by the city of Memphis After five city police officers were charged with his murder.
(AP)
“After viewing the videotape for the first time tonight, I am concerned about the two deputies who appeared at the scene following a physical confrontation between police and Tyra Nichols,” Sheriff Bonner said in a statement Friday night.
Sheriff Bonner says an internal investigation into his conduct is ongoing.
Barack Obama took to Twitter on Saturday to condemn police violence against Nichols.
“The vicious, unjust beating of Tyr Nichols and his eventual death at the hands of five Memphis police officers is just the latest, painful reminder of how far America still has to go to fix its streets,” the former president tweeted. Saturday morning.
“Along with supporting the grieving Sor and his family, it is up to all of us to mobilize to create lasting change.”
The vicious, unjust beating and his eventual death of Tyra Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers are just the latest, painful reminders of how far America still has to go to fix its streets. pic.twitter.com/ITmrNNJhiT
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 28, 2023
Taddeus Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith — all former Memphis Police Department officers — have been charged with second-degree murder. The officers were fired last week following an investigation into Mr Nicholls’ death.
Each of the former officers is facing additional charges, which are aggravated assault – acting in concert; aggravated kidnapping; official misconduct and official harassment, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
The police department announced the officers’ firing on January 20.
Protesters clash with a line of police officers during a rally against the fatal police assault of Tyr Nichols outside LAPD headquarters on January 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
(AFP via Getty Images)
“After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding this incident, we have determined that five MPD officers violated several department policies, including excessive use of force, duty to intervene and duty to render aid. Today, each of the officers charged was dismissed from the Memphis Police Department,” the agency said.
(AP)
The Reverend Al Sharpton prepares to deliver the eulogy at the funeral for Tyr Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church on February 1. The civil rights activist said in a statement that “sacking these officers for misconduct is not enough”.
He added, “Justice will be served only when all five are charged with killing Tyra Nichols for the simple act of driving while black.”