Tyre Nichols Trial

The federal criminal trial over the death of Tyre Nichols began yesterday in Memphis, Tennessee. Three former police officers face charges of violating Nichols’ civil rights through excessive use of force; two others have pleaded guilty. 

Photo by Becker1999 via Wikimedia

The incident dates back to Jan. 7, 2023, when five Black police officers pulled over 29-year-old Nichols, also a Black man, on suspicion of reckless driving. Video footage shows the officers pulling Nichols out of the car, after which Nichols fled the scene and was ultimately apprehended again (see previous write-up). The officers punched, kicked, and beat Nichols with a baton until he collapsed. Nichols was taken to a hospital roughly 30 minutes later and died from his injuries. If convicted, the officers face the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty.

Nichols’ death sparked protests and debate around police tactics and reform. Following the release of video footage, the 40-member unit the officers were part of—a task force to patrol high-crime areas—was disbanded.