Memphis Police Department Fires Sixth Officer in Connection to Death of Tyre Nichols

Memphis Police Department has relieved a sixth officer of duty in connection to the death of Tyre Nichols earlier this month. The 29-year-old Black man’s death has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

The department identified the officer as Preston Hemphill, who was hired in 2018. Hemphill is seen on video firing a stun gun at Nichols. The department responded to emailed questions from NBC News on whether he was the officer seen on video.

Within 20 days of Nichols’ death, five officers were fired and charged in connection to his death. The Memphis Police Department, along with other agencies, launched an internal investigation.

Ben Crump, who represents the family of Nichols, said the investigation and action Memphis took in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols should be how all cases involving police brutality are handled. The family has called for justice and demanded the release of body camera and surveillance footage of his arrests.

A police spokesperson did not immediately answer the question of whether the footage will be released. The Memphis Police Department has not released any further information on the investigation.