Congresswoman Cori Bush, representing Missouri’s 1st district, shared her views on recent developments involving the Memphis Police Department and the Department of Justice. Her comments were made in a series of tweets dated December 10, 2024.
In one tweet, Congresswoman Bush expressed concern over the Memphis Police Department's resistance to federal oversight despite some positive changes such as disbanding SCORPION. She stated, "While encouraged by @MEM_PoliceDept's changes like disbanding SCORPION, their resistance to federal oversight is troubling. Without a collaborative agreement with @TheJusticeDept, real reform may not stick. Federal oversight is crucial for accountability and lasting change."
In another tweet from the same day, she highlighted findings from a Department of Justice investigation into the Memphis Police Department following the killing of Tyre Nichols. The investigation revealed issues of excessive force and racial discrimination within the department. Bush remarked, ".@TheJusticeDept recently announced findings from their investigation following the police killing of Tyre Nichols, & found that @MEM_PoliceDept uses excessive force & discriminates against Black people. This is a reminder of the work that remains to end police violence"
Additionally, Congresswoman Bush called for comprehensive systemic change across the nation in response to these findings. She urged her colleagues in Congress to adopt a public safety agenda focused on care rather than criminalization, reiterating her stance on necessary reforms: "We need systemic transformation, not band-aid solutions—and we need this nationwide. In the wake of Tyre’s death, I urged my colleagues in Congress to champion a public safety agenda that prioritizes care, not criminalization. I reaffirm that call today."
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