7th Memphis Officer Dismissed Over Killing Black Man
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
MEMPHIS, USA (Worthy News) – The Memphis Police Department said Monday that a 7th police officer had been dismissed over the fatal beating of Black man Tyre Nichols at a traffic stop.
The mistreatment of the 29-year-old by mainly Black police officers this month in the U.S. city of Memphis sparked outrage and protest across the United States.
At least five police officers facing murder charges are Black, underscoring that not racism but a police culture of impunity may have led to the violence, rights lawyers suggested.
In a statement, the agency didn’t identify the seventh officer or say whether the person would face departmental or criminal charges.
The Department also confirmed that a sixth officer, Preston Hemphill, who is White, had been relieved of duty.
FIRING STUN GUN
Hemphill’s lawyer, Lee Gerald, reportedly confirmed Monday that Hemphill was seen on body camera video released last week firing a stun gun at Nichols as he initially ran from officers during the stop.
However, Gerald said the officer was never present at the scene where five officers charged with second-degree murder and other crimes were seen beating Nichols.
“Hemphill’s actions and involvement have been under investigation as he participated in the initial traffic stop and the use of a TASER,” the Department added in its statement Monday.
The case comes amid a broader debate in the nation about police violence.
However, while incidents occur, police also say their tasks have become more stressful after calls to “defund the police” and violent protests.
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