Act Daily News
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The FBI and Department of Justice have opened a civil rights investigation into the demise of Tyre Nichols, who handed away in a hospital after being arrested by Memphis police, in accordance with a press release from US Attorney Kevin Ritz on Wednesday.
“Last week, Tyre Nichols tragically died, a few days after he was involved in an incident where Memphis Police Department officers used force during his arrest,” Ritz mentioned in a Department of Justice news launch.
Immediately following the incident, the officers concerned have been relieved of responsibility, pending the end result of the investigations, the police division has mentioned. Police didn’t launch what number of officers have been concerned within the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating whether or not officers broke any regulation whereas Memphis Police are investigating whether or not division insurance policies have been violated. The police division’s administrative investigation must be completed later this week, metropolis officers have mentioned.
“In addition, the United States Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the FBI Memphis Field Office and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, has opened a civil rights investigation,” Ritz mentioned.
He mentioned he might supply no extra feedback in regards to the case because the investigation stays open.
Act Daily News has reached out to the FBI Memphis Field Office for remark.
On January 8, the police division introduced officers pulled over a motorist for reckless driving the day past. “As officers approached the driver of the vehicle, a confrontation occurred and the suspect fled the scene on foot,” officers mentioned in a press release posted on social media.
Officers pursued the suspect and once more tried to take him into custody when one other confrontation occurred earlier than the suspect was apprehended, in accordance with police.
“Afterward, the suspect complained of having a shortness of breath, at which time an ambulance was called to the scene. The suspect was transported to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition,” officers mentioned.
The man, recognized as Nichols, died just a few days later, in accordance with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The demise led to protests and for the household to name for the discharge of video recorded by cameras worn by the officers.
“This kind of in-custody death destroys community trust if agencies are not swiftly transparent. The most effective way for the Memphis Police Department to be transparent with the grieving Nichols family and the Memphis community is to release the body camera and surveillance footage from the traffic stop,” legal professional Ben Crump, who represents Nichols’ household, mentioned Monday in a press release.
On Tuesday, metropolis officers mentioned the video will likely be launched publicly after the police division’s inside investigation ends and after the household is given an opportunity to overview the recording.
Details in regards to the accidents Nichols suffered or his explanation for demise haven’t been launched. Act Daily News has reached out to the Shelby County coroner.