DOJ Launches Civil Rights Investigation into Memphis Police Department

The Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into the city of Memphis and its police department following the death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop in January. The probe aims to determine if there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by the police department. This investigation is separate from the federal criminal civil rights investigation of the Memphis officers involved in Nichols' case. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta expressed their commitment to ensuring a safe community and building trust in law enforcement. Nichols was assaulted by five Memphis Police Department officers during a traffic stop and died three days later.