Memphis library shooting leaves one dead, cop in 'critical condition'

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A Memphis police officer is in “extremely critical condition” and a second individual is dead following a midday shootout at a local library, cops said Thursday.

The Tennessee Department, already reeling from the police-custody death of FedEx worker Tyre Nichols, said the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. when cops responded to a call at the Poplar-White Station Library in East Memphis shortly, police said on Twitter. 

Police said the wounded officer was taken to Regional One Hospital after the shooting, while the other individual was declared dead at the scene, the tweet said. 

“The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The scene is secure,” the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tweeted. “This investigation is active and ongoing.”

In a follow-up statement, the bureau said cops were initially called to the library around noon for “a confrontation” between the individual who was later shot and another person. 

“According to initial reports, as the two officers attempted to talk to the individual he produced a weapon and shot one of the officers,” the statement said. 

“The second officer returned fire, striking the individual,” it said. “He was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The wounded officer and the dead man have not been identified.

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“TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews,” the statement said. 

“Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters.”

Memphis police have been in the national spotlight since the fatal police beating of motorist Tyre Nichols on Jan. 7, which sparked nationwide protests after disturbing bodycam footage of the incident was made public. 

Five officers involved in the incident are facing murder charges in the case. 

Nichols, 29, is seen on the video pleading for his mom while he is pummeled by the cops. 

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