Two Tennessee National Guard Members Fatally Shoot Man in Memphis, Police Report
National Guard members fatally shoot man – On the early morning of July 5, two Tennessee National Guard members shot and killed a 20-year-old man during a pursuit in downtown Memphis, according to authorities. The incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m., when officers responded to a “shots-fired” call. By the time police arrived, they reported witnessing several individuals exiting the scene and spotting an armed man brandishing a handgun.
Details of the Shooting
The man, later identified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) as Tyrin Johnson, was pursued by law enforcement and Guard personnel. During the chase, Johnson turned toward the Guard with his weapon, prompting the use of force. “For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in two National Guard soldiers firing upon Johnson, striking and killing him,” the TBI stated in a release. Notably, no police officers were injured in the event.
“For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in two National Guard soldiers firing upon Johnson, striking and killing him.” – Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Johnson had reportedly fired shots in the vicinity, according to the TBI. Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Darrin Haas confirmed that two medical specialists from the Guard attempted to provide aid but found Johnson unresponsive at the scene. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
Background on Tyrin Johnson
Court records indicate that Johnson had no criminal history in Shelby County. However, a public records search revealed an address linked to him in Franklin County, Ohio, where no prior convictions were found. Despite this, federal and state court documents show Johnson faced minor charges. In 2023, he was cited for improper vehicle lighting and speeding, both classified as misdemeanors, and admitted guilt to both offenses.
By 2024, Johnson was charged with driving with a suspended license in Wilson County, Tennessee. Court records noted he failed to appear at a January 2025 hearing, leading to the issuance of a warrant. This year, he was arrested by Mt. Juliet police outside Nashville in May and released on a $4,500 bond, with a hearing scheduled for July 8 in Wilson County.
Context of the National Guard Deployment
The National Guard’s presence in Memphis dates back to October 2025, as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Established by the Trump administration, the task force aimed to address rising crime rates in the city. While Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, endorsed the deployment, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, expressed opposition, stating he “did not support” the Guard’s involvement.
Guard members, identifiable by their military uniforms, have been patrolling downtown Memphis, directing traffic during public events, and securing crime scenes. Their visibility has sparked debate, with critics questioning the necessity of federal troops in local law enforcement operations.
Legal Challenges to the Deployment
The Guard’s presence has faced legal scrutiny. A group of Democratic officials from Memphis and Tennessee filed a lawsuit against the deployment, arguing it disrupted local governance. Initially, a Davidson County Chancery Court judge issued a temporary injunction requiring the Guard to withdraw from the city until the case was resolved. However, the injunction was later overturned by an appellate panel, leaving the situation unchanged.
The temporary order would have compelled the Guard to suspend operations in Memphis pending legal review. With the injunction lifted, the lawsuit has stalled, though it continues to draw attention to the broader implications of federal involvement in urban policing.
Previous Incidents Involving the Task Force
This shooting marks the fourth incident involving the Memphis Safe Task Force and the third fatal outcome. In May, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent fatally shot a 41-year-old man during a confrontation. A week later, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent killed a 25-year-old man in a separate encounter. These events have intensified discussions about the use of force by federal personnel in local jurisdictions.
Earlier in the year, President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops and federal agents to Democratic-led cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Chicago, Portland, and Memphis. The administration cited concerns over crime and civil unrest as justification for the moves, despite pushback from local leaders. Memphis became a focal point of this strategy, with the Guard operating alongside police in high-crime areas.
Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy confirmed to The Commercial Appeal that two Guard members were directly involved in the shooting. He also noted that the TBI was reviewing the circumstances of the incident. While the Guard’s actions remain under investigation, officials have defended their role, emphasizing the need for additional resources in combating crime.
The shooting has reignited debates about the balance between public safety and the use of military force in law enforcement. Critics argue that the Guard’s presence in Memphis reflects a broader political strategy to counter protests and address social unrest, while supporters highlight the effectiveness of such deployments in reducing violence.
As the investigation progresses, questions linger about the chain of events leading to Johnson’s death. Did the situation escalate rapidly, or were there opportunities for de-escalation? The TBI’s ongoing review aims to clarify these details, but the incident has already cast a shadow over the Guard’s role in Memphis. With no criminal record in Shelby County and only minor charges elsewhere, Johnson’s actions on the night of the shooting remain a subject of interest for both the public and legal experts.
Analysts have pointed to the political divide between the state and local governments as a key factor in the Guard’s deployment. Governor Lee’s support for federal intervention contrasts with Mayor Young’s skepticism, reflecting broader tensions over the use of military assets in civilian policing. The Memphis Safe Task Force has become a symbol of this conflict, with its activities scrutinized by both residents and officials.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Guard’s role in Memphis has been reexamined. While their presence has been credited with deterring crime, the fatal incident has raised concerns about accountability and the potential for excessive force. As the TBI continues its investigation, the community awaits clarity on the events that unfolded during the early morning pursuit, and the broader impact of the Guard’s deployment on local dynamics.
