Memphis Guard Shooting
National Guard Members Fatally Shoot Man with Gun During Pursuit in Memphis Task Force Operation
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Two Tennessee National Guard members fatally shot a 20-year-old man during a crime-fighting patrol in Memphis, according to NBC Washington. The man, identified as Tyrin Johnson, turned toward the Guardsmen with a gun during a police pursuit before he was shot. He died at the scene.
The shooting marks a significant moment for the federal task force deployed to Memphis by President Donald Trump. The task force was created as part of Trump's push to send troops and federal agents to cities his administration says are overrun with crime, NBC New York reported.
How the Fatal Shooting Unfolded on Memphis Streets
The Guardsmen were on a crime-fighting patrol when a pursuit broke out. During the chase, Johnson, 20, turned toward the soldiers with a firearm. Two Guard members opened fire, according to NBC Philadelphia. Johnson was struck and died at the scene.
Two National Guard medical specialists on the scene attempted first aid on Johnson before he was pronounced dead, NBC San Diego reported. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Trump's Federal Task Force Behind the Memphis Deployment
The Guardsmen are part of a federal task force set up under President Trump. The administration created the task force to send troops and federal agents into Democrat-run cities it says have serious crime problems. Memphis was one of the cities targeted, according to NBC Miami.
The deployment represents a broad federal push into local law enforcement. National Guard members are not typically involved in street-level crime patrols. Their role in this shooting raises new questions about how federal troops are being used on American city streets.
TBI Launches Investigation Into the Shooting
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, known as the TBI, is now looking into the circumstances of the shooting. The TBI is the state's top criminal investigation agency. It handles high-profile cases involving law enforcement, NBC Connecticut reported.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young called the shooting an "unfortunate incident." He said he was waiting for the results of the TBI investigation before commenting further, according to NBC DFW. No timeline was given for when the investigation would be complete.
Memphis Chosen as Target City for Federal Crime Push
Memphis has long struggled with high violent crime rates, making it a prime target for Trump's federal crackdown. The administration has framed these deployments as a way to restore order in cities where local leaders have failed, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Critics have raised concerns about using military personnel in civilian policing roles. This shooting is likely to intensify that debate. Johnson's death is one of the first known cases of a National Guard member fatally shooting a civilian during one of these federally directed urban patrols.
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