The Justice Department has initiated a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department in Mississippi following a disturbing racist attack against two Black men. The incident involved officers torturing the victims with beatings, stun guns, and assaults with a sex toy before one of the men was shot in the mouth. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the investigation to determine whether the department has a history of excessive force, unlawful practices, and racially discriminatory policing.

Five Rankin sheriff's deputies and a Richland Police Department officer were convicted in 2023 for breaking into a home without a warrant and subjecting Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker to a prolonged attack. Termed the "Goon Squad," these officers were known for their readiness to use excessive force. The perpetrators received sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years, reflecting the severity of their actions that led to the deaths of two Black men in previous encounters.

The Justice Department's decision to delve into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department stems from a series of troubling incidents beyond the identified attack. Reports suggest a pattern of deputies overusing stun guns, conducting unlawful entries, and using racist language and brutal tactics on individuals in custody. This investigation aims to address systemic issues within the department and hold accountable those responsible for ongoing constitutional violations.