Two Tennessee National Guard members, part of a federal task force operating in Memphis, fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson during a foot pursuit on Sunday. According to the Memphis Police Department, the shooting occurred after the suspect turned toward the guardsmen while brandishing a weapon. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is currently investigating the incident, which is linked to the “Memphis Safe Task Force.”
How the Memphis Safe Task Force Operates
The “Memphis Safe Task Force” is a federal initiative launched under the administration of Donald Trump. It integrates federal agents, local police, and state resources to combat violent crime in Memphis. According to the United States Marshals Service, the task force has conducted over 10,000 arrests. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, deployed the National Guard to support the federal effort. The troops have been patrolling the city since October, despite objections from Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat.
The Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled in April that local and state Democratic officials lack the legal standing to block the deployment of federal troops in Memphis.
What Are the Investigation Details?
The TBI identified the man killed as Tyrin Johnson. According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Darrin Haas, a spokesperson for the National Guard, two medical specialists from the Guard attempted to provide first aid to Johnson on the scene, but he was pronounced dead. Terracle Nelson, Johnson’s cousin, told reporters that the family was informed Johnson sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest. The TBI has declined to comment on the family’s account of the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
Comparison of Task Force Interactions
Data from the TBI confirms at least four officer-involved shootings associated with the task force. Notably, two shootings occurred in May that did not involve members of the National Guard firing their weapons. In another instance in October, the TBI confirmed a link to the task force but did not specify which law enforcement agency was involved. Authorities have not confirmed whether Sunday’s event represents the first time National Guard personnel have discharged their weapons while deployed in the city.
How Is the Community Responding?
Evaniel Johnson, the victim’s grandfather, described his grandson as a student at Tennessee State University and a father who was preparing to take over the family construction business. He stated he intends to review all investigation findings and available video footage before forming a final opinion. Mayor Paul Young characterized the shooting as an “unfortunate incident” in a statement released by his spokesperson, Penelope Huston, noting that he is awaiting the TBI’s findings.
When tracking ongoing investigations, look for official updates from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) website, as they remain the lead agency for officer-involved shootings in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who authorized the National Guard deployment in Memphis?
Governor Bill Lee deployed the National Guard to support a federal task force initiated by the Trump administration. - Are there prior criminal records for the victim?
A search of federal and state court archives revealed no cases related to Johnson. Local archives in Memphis and Nashville indicated he had committed a few minor traffic infractions. - Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently leading the probe into the circumstances of the shooting.
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