Five Memphis Officers Dismissed Over Excessive Force and Negligence

Five Memphis police officers have been dismissed for using excessive force, failing to intervene, and neglecting to provide aid during the arrest of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old man who died three days later in hospital. This announcement follows an internal investigation by the Memphis Police Department into the 7 January incident.

The officers identified as Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr, and Justin Smith were found to have violated departmental policies during the arrest. Nichols had been stopped on suspicion of reckless driving, which escalated into a confrontation. After attempting to flee, he was apprehended again, complained of shortness of breath, and was taken to the hospital. His cause of death remains undetermined.

Nichols’ family and activists have demanded the release of body camera footage and called for criminal charges against the officers. The US Justice Department has launched a civil rights inquiry, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the use of force in the case.

Relatives allege that Nichols, who was Black, was severely beaten by officers in an unmarked vehicle, leading to cardiac arrest and kidney failure. Authorities, however, have described his medical condition as an emergency without confirming specifics. Protests have since been held at the National Civil Rights Museum and a police station, with ongoing calls for justice.

City officials plan to meet with Nichols’ family next week to address the incident further.