2 fatal shootings in Memphis draw scrutiny of federal crime task force
Memphis Faces Scrutiny After Two Fatal Shootings Involving Federal Task Force Members
2 fatal shootings in Memphis draw - Memphis is currently navigating a period of intense examination following two separate fatal shootings that occurred within a brief timeframe. Both incidents involved personnel from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tennessee National Guard, who have been deployed to the city as part of a coordinated federal crime-fighting initiative.
DEA Shooting at East Memphis Hotel
The most recent incident took place on July 8 at an Extended Stay America hotel located in East Memphis. According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA agents were in the process of serving a drug-related warrant when the confrontation unfolded. The Memphis Commercial Appeal, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, reported on the developing situation.
Alfonso Ivy, a 47-year-old man, was shot and killed during the encounter. Authorities stated that Ivy allegedly pointed a handgun at members of the Memphis Safe Task Force, prompting the fatal response. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provided additional details in an official statement regarding the circumstances.
For reasons still under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in a DEA agent firing into a room, striking a man and killing him.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time. The task force team was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a wanted fugitive facing felony drug charges. According to the Marshals Service, officers made a forced entry into the building after verbally communicating with the suspect and requesting that he exit the premises.
During the encounter, the suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at members of the task force, who then shot and killed him. Officers rendered first aid to the suspect until emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene. No officers were injured in the incident.
The incident drew a heavy law enforcement presence to the hotel, with around 20 marked and unmarked law enforcement vehicles surrounding the perimeter, The Commercial Appeal reported. All hotel entrances were also temporarily blocked off.
Earlier Shooting of Tyrin Johnson
This investigation comes as the city is also grappling with questions surrounding a separate fatal shooting involving two Guard members. They fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson during a pursuit in downtown Memphis over the July Fourth weekend.
Johnson was fatally shot on July 5 by two members of the Guard during a pursuit in downtown Memphis, according to authorities. The Memphis Police Department said officers responded to a "shots-fired call" in the area shortly before 4 a.m. local time. After arriving at the scene, police said, officers saw several people leaving the area and "observed an armed male carrying a handgun."
Johnson allegedly fled on foot and was pursued by officers along with Guard members who were assigned to the area, according to police. During the pursuit, police said Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.
For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in two National Guard soldiers firing upon Johnson, striking and killing him.
Johnson had "reportedly fired shots in the area," the agency said. Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Darrin Haas said two Guard medical specialists attempted first aid, but Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Broader Context and Investigation
The DEA agents and members of the Guard are in the city as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, established by the Trump administration to combat crime in Memphis. There have been four fatal shootings involving the task force since it started in late September 2025.
On July 9, the state investigation bureau identified the suspect as Ivy. A spokesperson for the bureau also confirmed the agency was investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting at the request of Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Mulroy previously confirmed to The Commercial Appeal that he called state investigators to look into the shooting. The incident quickly drew public attention and prompted calls for a transparent investigation. The grandfather of Johnson told The Associated Press that he wanted answers about the circumstances that led to Johnson's death.
Show me the video, Evaniel Johnson told AP. Please show me that — and then I'm OK. Until you show me that, I'm gonna fight and advocate for my grandson until there's no breath in me.
Both incidents have intensified scrutiny of the federal task force's operations in Memphis. The timing of the two shootings, occurring within just a few days of each other, has raised questions about the deployment and conduct of federal law enforcement personnel in the city. The investigations by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Shelby County District Attorney's office are expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding both fatal encounters.