The Memphis Police Department has permanently disbanded its special “Scorpion” unit a day after the city publicly released video footage of the arrest of Tyre Nichols.
Nichols, 29, was engaged in a violent encounter with police officers in Memphis on Jan. 7 after a traffic stop, during which he attempted to flee and resisted police arrest. Nichols was brutally hit by police officers as they tried to arrest him. He required hospitalization and died on Jan. 10. Five of the officers who were involved in Nichols’ arrest were fired and later arrested and charged with Nichols’ murder.
“In the process of listening intently to the family of Tyre Nichols, community leaders, and the uninvolved officers who have done quality work in their assignment, it is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the SCORPION Unit,” the MPD said in a statement on Saturday….