ACLU-TN Receives a Response from the City of Memphis to Formal Demand Letter
April 16, 2026 12:00 am
MEMPHIS — The ACLU of Tennessee has received a response from the City of Memphis to the formal demand letter submitted on April 1, 2026, regarding Memphis Police Department conduct during the No Kings Memphis event on March 28, 2026. The independent monitor required the city to respond by April 15, 2026.
In the interest of transparency, we are publishing the city's response.
The city's response confirms that the four officers involved in the incident were relieved of duty immediately following the march and remain on administrative leave. The city reports that an internal investigation is underway and is expected to be completed by June 15, 2026. Also, according to local reporting, this week, MPD decided not to pursue charges against the three peaceful demonstrators arrested during the march.
The ACLU of Tennessee remains steadfast in its commitment to full accountability for MPD's actions during the No Kings Memphis event. With an investigation currently underway, we will continue to monitor this process closely and will not stop until Memphians have the answers they deserve.
ACLU-TN is represented in the matter by the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, which is assisting in the investigation into possible consent decree violations. The city and ACLU-TN entered into the decree as part of Blanchard v. City of Memphis. For background on the original demand letter, read our April 2 release here.
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