Memphis Police Department Fires Sixth Officer and Suspends Two First Responders Following Violent Arrest and Death of Tyre Nichols

The Memphis Police Department announced Friday that it has fired a sixth officer and suspended two first responders following the violent arrest and death of Tyre Nichols last month.

In a news release, the department stated that former police officer Preston Hemphill had been relieved of his duties for violating multiple departmental policies, including those related to personal conduct and truthfulness. Hemphill was hired by the department in March 2018 and was fired on January 30.

The incident occurred after the release of videos from police body cameras and other footage further inflamed tensions over brutal police tactics. Hemphill was seen on body camera footage tasing Nichols and later heard saying, “I hope they stomp his ass.”

The department has launched an internal investigation into the incident, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is also conducting a criminal investigation. The department has also implemented a series of reforms to improve police accountability and transparency.

The death of Tyre Nichols has sparked outrage in the Memphis community, and the department is committed to ensuring that justice is served. The department has promised to continue to work with the community to ensure that all citizens are treated with respect and dignity.