Attorney General Garland Highlights Justice Department’s Response to Police Brutality in Mississippi

In a landmark case of justice being served, six former law enforcement officers in Mississippi have been prosecuted for the heinous torture of two Black men. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust after such a betrayal by those sworn to protect the community.

The former officers, five from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and one from the Richland police, pleaded guilty last year to breaking into a home without a warrant and subjecting Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker to a brutal and racist attack. The victims were beaten, shocked with stun guns, and assaulted with a sex toy before one was shot in the mouth.

The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department to determine if there is a pattern of excessive force, unlawful stops, and racially discriminatory policing practices. Garland expressed the commitment to work with local officials and the community to conduct a thorough investigation.

The officers, part of a group known as the Goon Squad, were willing to use excessive force in multiple violent encounters, some of which resulted in the deaths of Black men. The case has sparked calls for criminal justice reform and accountability for decades of abuse and terrorism against the community.

The prosecution of these officers sends a powerful message that those who abuse their power will face consequences. The victims’ attorneys have highlighted the importance of holding those in authority accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served. The investigation and prosecution of these officers are crucial steps towards addressing systemic issues and rebuilding trust in law enforcement.