As Memphis mourns Tyre Nichols, city seeks police accountability
Just three weeks ago, Tyre Nichols’ death appeared to match a pattern of police brutality: a young Black man beaten by officers during a traffic stop. But the response by authorities in Memphis, Tennessee, is where that pattern ended.
After past allegations of officer brutality, police departments or local prosecutors have often dithered in response, provoking outrage from the community when more details are released. In Memphis, the officers involved have already all been fired and charged.
The body camera footage allowed the Memphis Police Department and the district attorney to hasten their investigations. Yesterday, a grand jury returned indictments – including second-degree murder, kidnapping, and assault – against the five officers, all of whom are Black. Tonight, after 6 p.m. Eastern time, footage
