So far, seven officers and three Memphis Fire Department personnel have been fired amid growing calls for police reform and public outrage over the death of a 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols. He was arrested in the United States’ city of Memphis in Tennessee, on January 7 and three days later succumbed to injuries he sustained during a traffic check which descended into a police assault.&nbsp;

What happened on January 7?

As per accounts from the Memphis police and fire department, the 29-year-old was stopped sometime after 8:20 pm (local time) and subsequently, the&nbsp;police officers began using force on Nichols by pulling him out of the car and spraying him with a chemical irritant. After this, he tried to escape and was stopped at a second location.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-timeline-of-investigation-memphis-police-body-cam-footage-family-reaction-556690">Tyre Nichols Death: Timeline of investigation, Memphis police body cam footage &amp; family reaction</a>

According to a statement by the Memphis fire department, they received a call around 10 mins later about someone who had been pepper-sprayed at the location where Nichols was pulled over and two EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) were sent out in a department vehicle. In the meantime, officers caught the 29-year-old at the second location where the body camera footage of the incident released on Friday, shows Nichols was being kicked, punched in the face and head, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-was-beaten-like-a-human-pinata-by-memphis-police-lawyer-says-555370">assaulted</a> with a baton by the police.

The EMTs who had first arrived at the location where Nichols was stopped were directed by the police to the second location, as per the fire department. After beating him the officers reportedly dragged Nichols and made him sit against the patrol car. When the EMTs arrived one of the officers told him “He on something…He cut in, he cutting through traffic, though oncoming traffic, everything,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-memphis-on-the-edge-as-authorities-plan-to-release-police-beating-footage-556683">US: Authorities release footage of former Memphis officers police beating Tyre Nichols</a>

According to the fire department, the two EMTs arrived with bags and placed them on the ground while the driver remained in the vehicle. In the footage, the emergency personnel, who suspected he was under the influence of weed, can be seen periodically giving some aid to Nichols while there were times he was just left unattended. Subsequently, an ambulance was called and the 29-year-old was admitted to the St. Francis Hospital in critical condition.

Who all have been dismissed so far?

According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, the now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident and have since been sacked. The five officers who were fired on January 20 were&nbsp;charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-memphis-controversial-scorpion-police-unit-and-its-connection-to-tyre-nichols-case-556773">Explained: Memphis’ controversial ‘SCORPION’ police unit and its connection to Tyre Nichols case</a> 
 
It was later announced that they were a part of the Memphis police department’s controversial SCORPION (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) unit, which has since been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/memphis-police-to-permanently-deactivate-its-infamous-scorpion-unit-whose-officers-fatally-beat-tyre-nichols-556909">scrapped.</a>&nbsp;

On Monday (January 30), the Memphis Fire Department said, that they fired those who&nbsp;responded to the fatal police confrontation with Nichols after investigators found that the 29-year-old was left on the ground without any medical attention for nearly 15 minutes.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Memphis fire department said EMTs Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge who failed to assess Nichols’ condition upon arrival and fire Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker who remained in the vehicle at the scene have been dismissed.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tyre-nichols-death-horrifying-video-of-beating-released-president-biden-says-outraged-and-pained-556694">Tyre Nichols death: Horrifying video of beating released, President Biden says 'outraged and pained'</a>

Notably, the two EMTs had been suspended, earlier this month, pending an internal investigation. According to Fire Chief Gina Sweat, the fire department personnel had violated numerous “policies and protocols”, following an internal review of their conduct on January 7. It was the “actions or inactions” of the three fire department personnel that did not “meet the expectations of the Memphis Fire Department”, said Sweat.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a 6th officer from the Memphis police department, who is identified as Preston Hemphill was suspended with pay pending a hearing after the incident. While another officer, whose identity has not been revealed yet, was suspended without pay, said the department spokesperson. However, so far, no charges have been filed against either of them.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protests-across-us-after-memphis-released-video-of-officers-beating-tyre-nichols-556752">In Pics: Protests across US after Memphis released video of officers beating Tyre Nichols</a>

Many have questioned why the officers’ involvement and suspensions were not announced earlier but&nbsp;the officials have reportedly declined to comment. Aside from seven police and three fire department personnel, two Shelby County Sheriff's deputies have also been relieved of duty pending an internal review, said Sheriff Floyd Bonner said&nbsp;after the footage of the incident was released, on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What do we know about Hemphill’s role?

The 26-year-old, white police officer, who joined the force some five years ago, wore the body camera which captured the first four videos which were released by the department, said the officer’s lawyer, Lee Gerald. Amid the ongoing investigation of the Nichols’ case, Hemphill was reportedly seen at the first site where the 29-year-old was pulled over. He also allegedly was seen using a taser at Nichols and said, “One of them prongs hit the bastard.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tyre-nichols-death-lawyers-say-two-us-police-officers-will-plead-not-guilty-556389">Tyre Nichols death: Lawyers say two US police officers will plead 'not guilty'</a>

Subsequently, Hemphill was seen talking to another officer and said, “I hope they stomp his ass”, as per media reports, who have cited the footage released. Meanwhile, the officer's lawyer has since indicated&nbsp;that Hemphill was not present at the second location where the beating took place and has&nbsp;been cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp;

In a statement released by Nichols family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, on Monday, said, “The news today from Memphis officials that Officer Preston Hemphill was reportedly relieved of duty weeks ago, but not yet terminated or charged, is extremely disappointing.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-five-former-memphis-police-officers-charged-with-murder-in-tyre-nichols-death-556355">US: Five former Memphis police officers charged with murder in Tyre Nichols’ death</a>

It added, “Why is his identity and the role he played in Tyre’s death just now coming to light? It certainly begs the question of why the White officer involved in this brutal attack was shielded and protected from the public eye.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

So far, seven officers and three Memphis Fire Department personnel have been fired amid growing calls for police reform and public outrage over the death of a 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols.

So far, seven officers and three Memphis Fire Department personnel have been fired amid growing calls for police reform and public outrage over the death of a 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols. He was arrested in the United States’ city of Memphis in Tennessee, on January 7 and three days later succumbed to injuries he sustained during a traffic check which descended into a police assault. What happened on January 7? As per accounts from the Memphis police and fire department, the 29-year-old was stopped sometime after 8:20 pm (local time) and subsequently, the police officers began using force on Nichols by pulling him out of the car and spraying him with a chemical irritant. After this, he tried to escape and was stopped at a second location. ALSO READ | Tyre Nichols Death: Timeline of investigation, Memphis police body cam footage & family reaction According to a statement by the Memphis fire department, they received a call around 10 mins later about someone who had been pepper-sprayed at the location where Nichols was pulled over and two EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) were sent out in a department vehicle. In the meantime, officers caught the 29-year-old at the second location where the body camera footage of the incident released on Friday, shows Nichols was being kicked, punched in the face and head, and assaulted with a baton by the police. The EMTs who had first arrived at the location where Nichols was stopped were directed by the police to the second location, as per the fire department. After beating him the officers reportedly dragged Nichols and made him sit against the patrol car. When the EMTs arrived one of the officers told him “He on something…He cut in, he cutting through traffic, though oncoming traffic, everything,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | US: Authorities release footage of former Memphis officers police beating Tyre Nichols According to the fire department, the two EMTs arrived with bags and placed them on the ground while the driver remained in the vehicle. In the footage, the emergency personnel, who suspected he was under the influence of weed, can be seen periodically giving some aid to Nichols while there were times he was just left unattended. Subsequently, an ambulance was called and the 29-year-old was admitted to the St. Francis Hospital in critical condition. Who all have been dismissed so far? According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, the now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident and have since been sacked. The five officers who were fired on January 20 were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. ALSO READ | Explained: Memphis’ controversial ‘SCORPION’ police unit and its connection to Tyre Nichols case It was later announced that they were a part of the Memphis police department’s controversial SCORPION (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) unit, which has since been scrapped. On Monday (January 30), the Memphis Fire Department said, that they fired those who responded to the fatal police confrontation with Nichols after investigators found that the 29-year-old was left on the ground without any medical attention for nearly 15 minutes. In a statement, the Memphis fire department said EMTs Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge who failed to assess Nichols’ condition upon arrival and fire Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker who remained in the vehicle at the scene have been dismissed. ALSO WATCH | Tyre Nichols death: Horrifying video of beating released, President Biden says 'outraged and pained' Notably, the two EMTs had been suspended, earlier this month, pending an internal investigation. According to Fire Chief Gina Sweat, the fire department personnel had violated numerous “policies and protocols”, following an internal review of their conduct on January 7. It was the “actions or inactions” of the three fire department personnel that did not “meet the expectations of the Memphis Fire Department”, said Sweat. Meanwhile, a 6th officer from the Memphis police department, who is identified as Preston Hemphill was suspended with pay pending a hearing after the incident. While another officer, whose identity has not been revealed yet, was suspended without pay, said the department spokesperson. However, so far, no charges have been filed against either of them. ALSO READ | In Pics: Protests across US after Memphis released video of officers beating Tyre Nichols Many have questioned why the officers’ involvement and suspensions were not announced earlier but the officials have reportedly declined to comment. Aside from seven police and three fire department personnel, two Shelby County Sheriff's deputies have also been relieved of duty pending an internal review, said Sheriff Floyd Bonner said after the footage of the incident was released, on Friday. What do we know about Hemphill’s role? The 26-year-old, white police officer, who joined the force some five years ago, wore the body camera which captured the first four videos which were released by the department, said the officer’s lawyer, Lee Gerald. Amid the ongoing investigation of the Nichols’ case, Hemphill was reportedly seen at the first site where the 29-year-old was pulled over. He also allegedly was seen using a taser at Nichols and said, “One of them prongs hit the bastard.” ALSO WATCH | Tyre Nichols death: Lawyers say two US police officers will plead 'not guilty' Subsequently, Hemphill was seen talking to another officer and said, “I hope they stomp his ass”, as per media reports, who have cited the footage released. Meanwhile, the officer's lawyer has since indicated that Hemphill was not present at the second location where the beating took place and has been cooperating with the investigation. In a statement released by Nichols family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, on Monday, said, “The news today from Memphis officials that Officer Preston Hemphill was reportedly relieved of duty weeks ago, but not yet terminated or charged, is extremely disappointing.” ALSO READ | US: Five former Memphis police officers charged with murder in Tyre Nichols’ death It added, “Why is his identity and the role he played in Tyre’s death just now coming to light? It certainly begs the question of why the White officer involved in this brutal attack was shielded and protected from the public eye.” (With inputs from agencies)

Two other officers, three fire department personnel dismissed after Tyre Nichols death: Here’s what happened

The police chief in the United States’ city of Memphis announced, on Saturday (January 28) that they will “permanently deactivate” the SCORPION unit. The decision comes a day after the release of the body camera footage of Tyre Nichols being assaulted after a traffic check on January 7, Nichols died later and his death sparked widespread protests across several cities in the country. All the five now-former police officers involved in Nichols’ arrest and assault&nbsp;and charged with his murder were part of the Memphis policing unit called SCORPION.

The SCORPION unit which stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods” was created in October 2021 after an uptick in violent crime in the city in the state of Tennessee. However, the has come under scrutiny and was severely criticised after it was first reported that its officers were involved in the alleged killing of the 29-year-old who was kicked, punched in the face and head, and assaulted with a baton as seen in the recently released footage. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-memphis-controversial-scorpion-police-unit-and-its-connection-to-tyre-nichols-case-556773">Explained: Memphis’ controversial ‘SCORPION’ police unit and its connection to Tyre Nichols case</a>

In the wake of Nichols’ death, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis who had earlier called for a review of all the specialised units, including the SCORPION, has&nbsp;disbanded the controversial unit citing a “cloud of dishonour”. In a statement posted on Twitter, the Memphis police said it was “in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate” the unit.&nbsp;

It added, “The officers currently assigned to the unit agree unreservedly with this next step. While the heinous actions of a few cast a cloud of dishonour on the title SCORPION, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted.” The development comes after Davis was previously adamant about retaining the unit and she had said in an interview with the Associated Press that she would not shut down a unit if a few officers commit “some egregious act”.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-memphis-on-the-edge-as-authorities-plan-to-release-police-beating-footage-556683">US: Authorities release footage of former Memphis officers police beating Tyre Nichols</a>

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According to a statement from Memphis police, on January 7 at around 8:30 pm (local time), officers pulled over a car for alleged reckless driving after which Nichols fled on foot. Subsequently, it led to another confrontation between the officers and Nichols. The 29-year-old passed away three days after the incident as he succumbed to injuries. The now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident, as per Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, and have since been sacked.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-timeline-of-investigation-memphis-police-body-cam-footage-family-reaction-556690">Tyre Nichols Death: Timeline of investigation, Memphis police body cam footage &amp; family reaction</a>

They have since been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The police chief in the United States’ city of Memphis announced, on Saturday (January 28) that they will “permanently deactivate” the SCORPION unit. The decision comes a day after the release of the body camera footage of Tyre Nichols being assaulted after a traffic check on January 7, Nichols died later and his death sparked widespread protests across several cities in the country.

The police chief in the United States’ city of Memphis announced, on Saturday (January 28) that they will “permanently deactivate” the SCORPION unit. The decision comes a day after the release of the body camera footage of Tyre Nichols being assaulted after a traffic check on January 7, Nichols died later and his death sparked widespread protests across several cities in the country. All the five now-former police officers involved in Nichols’ arrest and assault and charged with his murder were part of the Memphis policing unit called SCORPION. The SCORPION unit which stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods” was created in October 2021 after an uptick in violent crime in the city in the state of Tennessee. However, the has come under scrutiny and was severely criticised after it was first reported that its officers were involved in the alleged killing of the 29-year-old who was kicked, punched in the face and head, and assaulted with a baton as seen in the recently released footage. ALSO READ | Explained: Memphis’ controversial ‘SCORPION’ police unit and its connection to Tyre Nichols case In the wake of Nichols’ death, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis who had earlier called for a review of all the specialised units, including the SCORPION, has disbanded the controversial unit citing a “cloud of dishonour”. In a statement posted on Twitter, the Memphis police said it was “in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate” the unit. It added, “The officers currently assigned to the unit agree unreservedly with this next step. While the heinous actions of a few cast a cloud of dishonour on the title SCORPION, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted.” The development comes after Davis was previously adamant about retaining the unit and she had said in an interview with the Associated Press that she would not shut down a unit if a few officers commit “some egregious act”. ALSO READ | US: Authorities release footage of former Memphis officers police beating Tyre Nichols pic.twitter.com/smVU9KxAZY — Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) January 28, 2023 × According to a statement from Memphis police, on January 7 at around 8:30 pm (local time), officers pulled over a car for alleged reckless driving after which Nichols fled on foot. Subsequently, it led to another confrontation between the officers and Nichols. The 29-year-old passed away three days after the incident as he succumbed to injuries. The now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident, as per Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, and have since been sacked. ALSO READ | Tyre Nichols Death: Timeline of investigation, Memphis police body cam footage & family reaction They have since been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Memphis police ‘disband’ its SCORPION unit whose officers had thrashed Tyre Nichols fatally

A 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols was hospitalised after he was arrested in the United States’ city of Memphis on January 7 and three days after the traffic check descended into a police assault he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. Some of the five former police officers who are now charged with Nichols’ murder were a part of the Memphis policing unit called SCORPION.&nbsp;

What is the SCORPION?

The SCORPION unit which stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods” was created in October 2021 after the city in the state of Tennessee faced an uptick in violent crime. The unit was tasked to stop homicides, assaults and robberies while members of each team are also focused on car theft, gang investigations and “crime suppression”.&nbsp;

It comprises around 40 officers in four teams who are deployed to crime hotspots in Memphis, however, some activists have said that its focus on particular parts of the city contributes to officers’ bias and brutality. Notably, between October 2021 and January 2022, SCORPION made 566 arrests out of which 390 were felony arrests, said Mayor Jim Strickland, in a speech last year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-protests-break-out-across-us-after-police-release-assault-video-556710">Tyre Nichols death: Protests break out across US after police release assault video</a>

The city’s mayor while touting the unit’s effectiveness also talked about how the officers had seized $103,000 in cash, 270 vehicles and 253 weapons in the aforementioned period of time.&nbsp;

How is the unit connected to Nichols’ case?

In a press conference on Thursday, a day before authorities release the body camera footage of the police confrontation which has since sparked widespread protests, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy while announcing the charges against the fired officers said, “The Scorpion unit was involved”.&nbsp;

However, there is no clarity on how many officers or who among the five charged were a part of the unit while many have also questioned if they were acting as a part of the SCORPION when they encountered Nichols. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, the now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident and have since been sacked.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-five-former-memphis-police-officers-charged-with-murder-in-tyre-nichols-death-556355">US: Five former Memphis police officers charged with murder in Tyre Nichols’ death</a>

They have also been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. Furthermore, the incident's body camera footage shows that Nichols was severely beaten after initially being stopped for a traffic violation.&nbsp;

On Friday, the police released <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-memphis-on-the-edge-as-authorities-plan-to-release-police-beating-footage-556683">bodycam footage</a> showing Nichols being kicked, punched in the face and head, and assaulted with a baton. Additionally, the preliminary results of an Nichols’ autopsy shows that he suffered “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating,” however, the full report is yet to be released, as per media reports.&nbsp;

What makes the SCORPION unit so controversial?

Recently, the unit has garnered significant criticism, particularly after the Nichols case which has also raised concerns that the SCORPION has strayed from its core mission of targeting more serious crimes. “They were in unmarked cars, why are they conducting traffic stops?” said Antonio Romanucci, one of the lawyers for Nichols’ case to CBS.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tyre-nichols-death-lawyers-say-two-us-police-officers-will-plead-not-guilty-556389">Tyre Nichols death: Lawyers say two US police officers will plead 'not guilty'</a>

Furthermore, the attorney for the Nichols family has also called on the police chief to “disband the SCORPION unit effective immediately” saying that the intent of the unit has been “corrupted” which they have attributed to inadequate oversight. The lawyers for the victim’s family have also argued that this has led to the use of tactics that increased the risk of violence.&nbsp;

Notably, many have also pointed out that Nichols’ encounter with the police began at a traffic stop which does not fall under the unit’s mandate of violent crime suppression while critics point out that such stops are an excuse to search for weapons or drugs but quickly escalate to violence.&nbsp;

The family’s civil rights lawyer, Ben Crump also spoke about how these units can turn into “a pack of wolves,” and how another Black male in Memphis was a victim of the unit’s officer’s “excessive force” just days before Nichols' death.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tyre-nichols-death-horrifying-video-of-beating-released-president-biden-says-outraged-and-pained-556694">Tyre Nichols death: Horrifying video of beating released, President Biden says 'outraged and pained'</a>

In the wake of Nichols’ death, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis who was also the first black woman to serve in that role for the city has since called for a review of all of the police department’s specialized units including the SCORPION unit and described the incident as “heinous, reckless and inhumane,” reported Reuters.

Multiple allegations against the SCORPION unit

Several reports citing criminal justice reform activists and some residents of the city said that the officers who are a part of the SCORPION unit had previously been accused of using excessive force. Additionally, Nichols’ case has also largely drawn attention to Memphis’ multiple specialized units and elite police teams.&nbsp;

A report by BBC citing local media said a man named Cornell McKinney who is also from the city, had a tense encounter with the unit on January 3 where he alleged that the officers in the unmarked vehicle accused him of carrying drugs and threatened to “blow his head off” while pointing a weapon at his head. Subsequently, he filed a complaint at the Memphis Police Department but did not receive any response.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-death-timeline-of-investigation-memphis-police-body-cam-footage-family-reaction-556690">Tyre Nichols Death: Timeline of investigation, Memphis police body cam footage &amp; family reaction</a>

Additionally, one of the officers who arrested Nichols had also been sued by a man who accused him of beating him as a prisoner around eight years ago. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Crump also spoke about several allegations against the SCORPION unit and cited an incident where one of the alleged victims was a 66-year-old.&nbsp;

“He said he was confronted by this unit and he was brutalized, and he had pictures of his injuries…And so, it was foreseeable that something tragic like this was going to happen,” said Crump, as per ABC news. The Memphis Police Department has not responded to these allegations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols was hospitalised after he was arrested in the United States’ city of Memphis on January 7 and three days after the traffic check descended into a police assault he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

A 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols was hospitalised after he was arrested in the United States’ city of Memphis on January 7 and three days after the traffic check descended into a police assault he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. Some of the five former police officers who are now charged with Nichols’ murder were a part of the Memphis policing unit called SCORPION. What is the SCORPION? The SCORPION unit which stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods” was created in October 2021 after the city in the state of Tennessee faced an uptick in violent crime. The unit was tasked to stop homicides, assaults and robberies while members of each team are also focused on car theft, gang investigations and “crime suppression”. It comprises around 40 officers in four teams who are deployed to crime hotspots in Memphis, however, some activists have said that its focus on particular parts of the city contributes to officers’ bias and brutality. Notably, between October 2021 and January 2022, SCORPION made 566 arrests out of which 390 were felony arrests, said Mayor Jim Strickland, in a speech last year. ALSO READ | Tyre Nichols death: Protests break out across US after police release assault video The city’s mayor while touting the unit’s effectiveness also talked about how the officers had seized $103,000 in cash, 270 vehicles and 253 weapons in the aforementioned period of time. How is the unit connected to Nichols’ case? In a press conference on Thursday, a day before authorities release the body camera footage of the police confrontation which has since sparked widespread protests, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy while announcing the charges against the fired officers said, “The Scorpion unit was involved”. However, there is no clarity on how many officers or who among the five charged were a part of the unit while many have also questioned if they were acting as a part of the SCORPION when they encountered Nichols. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, the now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident and have since been sacked. ALSO READ | US: Five former Memphis police officers charged with murder in Tyre Nichols’ death They have also been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression. Furthermore, the incident's body camera footage shows that Nichols was severely beaten after initially being stopped for a traffic violation. On Friday, the police released bodycam footage showing Nichols being kicked, punched in the face and head, and assaulted with a baton. Additionally, the preliminary results of an Nichols’ autopsy shows that he suffered “extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating,” however, the full report is yet to be released, as per media reports. What makes the SCORPION unit so controversial? Recently, the unit has garnered significant criticism, particularly after the Nichols case which has also raised concerns that the SCORPION has strayed from its core mission of targeting more serious crimes. “They were in unmarked cars, why are they conducting traffic stops?” said Antonio Romanucci, one of the lawyers for Nichols’ case to CBS. ALSO WATCH | Tyre Nichols death: Lawyers say two US police officers will plead 'not guilty' Furthermore, the attorney for the Nichols family has also called on the police chief to “disband the SCORPION unit effective immediately” saying that the intent of the unit has been “corrupted” which they have attributed to inadequate oversight. The lawyers for the victim’s family have also argued that this has led to the use of tactics that increased the risk of violence. Notably, many have also pointed out that Nichols’ encounter with the police began at a traffic stop which does not fall under the unit’s mandate of violent crime suppression while critics point out that such stops are an excuse to search for weapons or drugs but quickly escalate to violence. The family’s civil rights lawyer, Ben Crump also spoke about how these units can turn into “a pack of wolves,” and how another Black male in Memphis was a victim of the unit’s officer’s “excessive force” just days before Nichols' death. ALSO WATCH | Tyre Nichols death: Horrifying video of beating released, President Biden says 'outraged and pained' In the wake of Nichols’ death, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis who was also the first black woman to serve in that role for the city has since called for a review of all of the police department’s specialized units including the SCORPION unit and described the incident as “heinous, reckless and inhumane,” reported Reuters. Multiple allegations against the SCORPION unit Several reports citing criminal justice reform activists and some residents of the city said that the officers who are a part of the SCORPION unit had previously been accused of using excessive force. Additionally, Nichols’ case has also largely drawn attention to Memphis’ multiple specialized units and elite police teams. A report by BBC citing local media said a man named Cornell McKinney who is also from the city, had a tense encounter with the unit on January 3 where he alleged that the officers in the unmarked vehicle accused him of carrying drugs and threatened to “blow his head off” while pointing a weapon at his head. Subsequently, he filed a complaint at the Memphis Police Department but did not receive any response. ALSO READ | Tyre Nichols Death: Timeline of investigation, Memphis police body cam footage & family reaction Additionally, one of the officers who arrested Nichols had also been sued by a man who accused him of beating him as a prisoner around eight years ago. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Crump also spoke about several allegations against the SCORPION unit and cited an incident where one of the alleged victims was a 66-year-old. “He said he was confronted by this unit and he was brutalized, and he had pictures of his injuries…And so, it was foreseeable that something tragic like this was going to happen,” said Crump, as per ABC news. The Memphis Police Department has not responded to these allegations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Memphis’ controversial ‘SCORPION’ police unit and its connection to Tyre Nichols case

Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old black man who died in Tennessee after being stopped by police at a traffic stop for reckless driving, was beaten non-stop like a "human piñata", lawyers for his family have said. His family saw the footage of the incident on Monday and described the scene as violent and disturbing. His mother, Rowvaughn Wells, called his death a "murder" by police.

“He was defenseless the entire time. He was a human piñata for those police officers. It was an unadulterated, unabashed, non-stop beating of this young boy for three minutes,” attorney Antonio Romanucci said during a news conference Monday.

Nichols succumbed to unspecified injuries on January 10, three days after the incident. The Memphis Police Department fired five officers following the incident.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-man-a-cousin-of-black-lives-matter-co-founder-suffers-cardiac-arrest-dies-after-being-tasered-by-lapd-552113">A cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder suffers cardiac arrest, dies after being tasered by LAPD</a>

"My son was a beautiful soul," Rowvaughn Wells said. "Nobody is perfect, but he was damn near." She also said that her son didn't use drugs, nor carried weapons.&nbsp;

Nichols was on his way to Shelby Farms Park when he was stopped by Memphis police. Officials say that he was pulled over for reckless driving, following which two "confrontations" occurred.&nbsp;

The police approached the vehicle and he tried to flee, officials said, and later a second confrontation happened when they tried to arrest him. He later complained of shortness of breath and was taken to the hospital, police said. No official cause for his death has been released yet.

After watching the video, Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, said, “What I saw on the video today was horrific. No father, mother should have to witness what I saw today.”

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is also representing the family, compared the videos to the 1991 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers.

“It is appalling. It is deplorable. It is heinous. It is violent. It is troublesome on every level," Crump said.

"One of the last things we hear from him, he calls for his Mom," said Crump.&nbsp;

The video will be released publicly by authorities in one to two weeks, the family informed.&nbsp;

The Memphis Police Department has fired five officers following an investigation into the incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old black man who died in Tennessee after being stopped by police at a traffic stop for reckless driving, was beaten non-stop like a "human piñata", lawyers for his family have said.

Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old black man who died in Tennessee after being stopped by police at a traffic stop for reckless driving, was beaten non-stop like a "human piñata", lawyers for his family have said. His family saw the footage of the incident on Monday and described the scene as violent and disturbing. His mother, Rowvaughn Wells, called his death a "murder" by police. “He was defenseless the entire time. He was a human piñata for those police officers. It was an unadulterated, unabashed, non-stop beating of this young boy for three minutes,” attorney Antonio Romanucci said during a news conference Monday. Nichols succumbed to unspecified injuries on January 10, three days after the incident. The Memphis Police Department fired five officers following the incident. Also Read | A cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder suffers cardiac arrest, dies after being tasered by LAPD "My son was a beautiful soul," Rowvaughn Wells said. "Nobody is perfect, but he was damn near." She also said that her son didn't use drugs, nor carried weapons. Nichols was on his way to Shelby Farms Park when he was stopped by Memphis police. Officials say that he was pulled over for reckless driving, following which two "confrontations" occurred. The police approached the vehicle and he tried to flee, officials said, and later a second confrontation happened when they tried to arrest him. He later complained of shortness of breath and was taken to the hospital, police said. No official cause for his death has been released yet. After watching the video, Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, said, “What I saw on the video today was horrific. No father, mother should have to witness what I saw today.” Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is also representing the family, compared the videos to the 1991 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers. “It is appalling. It is deplorable. It is heinous. It is violent. It is troublesome on every level," Crump said. "One of the last things we hear from him, he calls for his Mom," said Crump. The video will be released publicly by authorities in one to two weeks, the family informed. The Memphis Police Department has fired five officers following an investigation into the incident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tyre Nichols was beaten like a 'human piñata' by Memphis police, lawyer says