Memphis Safe Task Force

A member of the Memphis Safe Task Force fatally shot a person during a drug warrant execution in Memphis, marking the second such incident in four days. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is probing the shooting, which occurred after agents knocked down a hotel room door. The task force, established by President Donald Trump to deploy federal agents and National Guard troops in Democratic-run cities, has also been linked to a prior fatal shooting.

A member of a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis shot and killed a person during a drug warrant operation, marking the second fatal shooting by a task force member in four days. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining both incidents, which occurred during separate operations involving DEA agents and National Guard troops.

TBI agents are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Memphis where a DEA agent killed a man during an arrest warrant attempt. The incident occurred at a hotel in the 6500 block of Poplar, and no law enforcement officers were injured. The 30th Judicial District Attorney General requested the independent investigation.

A Nashville grandfather is demanding video evidence after his 20-year-old grandson was shot and killed by Tennessee National Guard soldiers during a crime-fighting patrol in Memphis. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident, which occurred when Memphis police pursued Tyrin Johnson after he allegedly fired shots, with National Guard soldiers joining the chase and escalating the encounter. The family seeks transparency and plans to consult an attorney as they await further details.

Tyrin Johnson, a 20-year-old described by Memphis lawmakers as a student and young father, was fatally shot by two Tennessee National Guard soldiers during a foot chase in Memphis, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The National Guard was part of a task force established by an executive order from President Donald Trump to address crime in the city, and the incident is under independent investigation.

Two Tennessee National Guard members assigned to a federal crime-fighting patrol in Memphis fatally shot a 20-year-old man during a pursuit after he turned toward them with a gun. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the circumstances, and the incident involves a task force established by President Donald Trump to address crime in Democrat-led cities.

Two National Guard members assigned to the Memphis Safe Task Force fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson during a pursuit in Memphis. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the circumstances of the shooting, which occurred after Johnson turned toward the soldiers with a weapon. Federal troops have patrolled Memphis since October 2025 under a Trump administration initiative, despite objections from local officials.

Two Tennessee National Guard members fatally shot a 20-year-old man during a pursuit in Memphis after he turned toward them with a gun. The incident occurred as part of a federal crime-fighting deployment in the city, which has faced high violent crime rates. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the circumstances, and local leaders have expressed mixed reactions to the federal troop presence.

Two Tennessee National Guard members assigned to a federal crime-fighting patrol in Memphis fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson during a pursuit after he turned toward them with a gun. The deployment, part of a Trump administration initiative in several cities, faces local opposition, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the incident.

The Tennessee Lookout won 11 awards at the Tennessee Press Association Awards, including five first-place honors for investigative journalism on topics like the Memphis Safe Task Force, Tennessee State University underfunding, and legislation benefiting payday lender Advance Financial. The outlet, part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, competed in the large newsroom division and received praise for accountability-focused reporting.

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for using $44,607.35 in public funds for personal expenses, including alcohol and Uber Eats, via county credit cards and PayPal accounts. She faces six counts, pleaded not guilty, and could receive up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy is challenging two Tennessee laws in court, claiming they target his office and violate the state Constitution. The laws require his office to report on cases from the Memphis Safe Task Force and allow the state attorney general to audit his decisions. The case is being heard by a three-judge panel.

Volunteer observers documenting activities of the Memphis Safe Task Force report harassment, surveillance, and intimidation, including being followed, assaulted, and ordered to stay 25 feet away under Tennessee's 'Halo Law'. The ACLU of Tennessee filed a lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations, citing a pattern of retaliation against bystanders recording traffic stops and arrests by the 31-agency task force.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee to block two laws that require his office to report on federal task force cases and allow the attorney general to review internal files and appoint a temporary prosecutor. Mulroy claims the laws violate the state Constitution and principles of prosecutorial independence by micromanaging his office and targeting Shelby County for disparate treatment.

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition sued the Tennessee Highway Patrol, alleging its systematic traffic stops with ICE agents violate the Fourth Amendment and Equal Protection Clause. The lawsuit claims these practices create de facto immigration checkpoints, harm immigrant communities, and exceed the Highway Patrol's legal authority.

The ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Memphis Safe Task Force, alleging First Amendment violations through retaliation, intimidation, and harassment against individuals recording their activities. The lawsuit challenges a Tennessee law requiring observers to stay 25 feet away, which the ACLU claims stifles documentation. The DOJ disputes these claims, citing over 9,000 arrests by the Task Force, which was established by President Donald Trump to combat crime in Memphis.

Memphis experienced a 40% drop in violent crime in 2026 compared to 2025, attributed to the Memphis Safe Task Force—a coalition of law enforcement agencies and the Tennessee National Guard established under President Trump. Experts highlight the collaboration between state, local, and federal authorities as a 'blueprint for other cities,' with over 7,400 arrests and 1,219 illegal weapons seized since the task force's formation.

President Donald Trump's Memphis Crime Task Force arrested over 800 immigrants between October and February, with only 2% of arrests linked to violent crimes. The operation, aimed at reducing street crime, disproportionately targeted undocumented immigrants, raising concerns about its effectiveness and impact on communities like Parkway Village.