Arrests in Memphis

Five former Memphis, Tennessee, police officers were arrested yesterday for their roles in the Jan. 10 death of Tyre Nichols. The incident, precipitated by a traffic stop three days earlier, sparked a number of protests across the city. All five officers were indicted on charges including second-degree murder, assault, and kidnapping.

Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was first pulled over Jan. 7 on suspicion of reckless driving. According to reports, Nichols fled the scene and was ultimately apprehended, during which one or more physical confrontations occurred. An ambulance was called and Nichols was hospitalized, ultimately succumbing to injuries.

The officers, all of whom are also Black, were fired last week for excessive force and failure to render aid. The city's police chief, who has seen unreleased body camera footage, described the officers as being directly responsible for Nichols' death (watch comments). The footage is expected to be released in the coming days.