Department Of Justice To Launch An Investigation into Tyre Nichols & Others Victimized By The Memphis Police

The murder of Tyre Nichols will be getting an additional look, with the Justice Department now looking into his death.

On Thursday, the DOJ announced that they were launching a civil rights investigation into the police killing of the 29-year-old in early January. The FedEx driver was stopped on his way home, allegedly for reckless driving. What should have been a routine traffic stop ended with the man being brutally beaten by multiple officers for roughly three minutes. He complained of having trouble breathing during the confrontation. Sadly, he died three days later at a local hospital. Five officers have been fired and charged with several charges, including second-degree murder. A sixth officer was terminated without charges, while a seventh was suspended. Three fire department employees were also fired for failing to provide adequate care to Nichols.

Nichols’ slaying sparked outrage across the country. Body camera footage showed the devastating attack before Nichols lost consciousness during the incident in the residential neighborhood. The Department of Justice says they have found evidence to suggest the Memphis Police Department used many prejudiced tactics during traffic stops. Black and brown people have seemingly been targeted more than white travelers. The probe will also examine the MPD as a whole and its history of violence. Authorities are hoping to involve residents, with the DOJ reaching out to people in the community for their perspectives on the over-policing of citizens of color in the area.

“The tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement.