The push for JUSTICE for Tyre Nichols continues.
Five former Memphis, Tennessee police officers involved in the deadly beating of Tyre have been indicted by a federal grand jury today (September 12).
The disgraced officers are, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. All were charged with one count each of excessive force and deliberate indifference, and two counts of witness tampering.
In addition, all of the ex-cops are also facing criminal court charges in Shelby County, Tenn., for second-degree murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and official oppression. They’ve all pled not guilty.
Tyre, a 29-year-old Black man, died on Jan. 10, three days after a police confrontation with the five Black officers. Tyre was initially stopped for a traffic violation for what they called reckless driving. According to initial police reports, officers said Tyre fled the scene but eventually was taken into custody after two “confrontations” with officers.
The officers savagely beat up Tyre for three minutes. It’s been compared to the unfortunate 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King.
Tyre had complained of shortness of breath following his arrest and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The city of Memphis posted the video of the beating, and you can watch it HERE. Warning: it is very graphic.
During a press conference today, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who leads the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “It is tragic to see a life cut short at 29, with so many milestones unmet, so many words unsaid, and so much potential unfulfilled.”
The former officers, who were terminated toward the end of January, each belonged to a team known as the SCORPION unit, which was soon deactivated after Tyre’s death.
Our hearts are with Tyre and his family.