Memphis police have permanently disbanded the Scorpion unit, a specialised task force whose officers were involved in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The decision follows widespread protests and demands for justice from the community and the victim's family.
Protesters gathered outside Memphis City Hall to mark the disbandment as a significant victory, but stressed that it is only the first step. “We’re not done,” one organiser said through a megaphone. “We’ve got a long way to go.” Demonstrators called for the release of information on all officers involved, an end to pretextual traffic stops, and the dissolution of other police task forces.
The family’s attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, described the unit’s dissolution as an “appropriate and proportional” response and a “decent and just decision” for Memphis residents. They urged other cities to take similar action with their saturation police units to build greater trust in communities.
Martavius Jones, chair of the Memphis city council, told the crowd that it is now up to city officials to implement further reforms. “Hold us accountable,” he said. Council vice-chair JB Smiley called for charges against every officer involved and plans to introduce amendments to city ordinances to increase transparency, including reporting traffic stops and tracking use-of-force complaints.
Local organiser LJ Abraham said activists are still demanding the dismantling of other task forces, such as the multi-agency gang unit, and full transparency in releasing body-camera footage. The protest came a day after the city released video footage of the beating that led to Nichols’s death.
