A man was fatally shot by two Tennessee National Guard members in Memphis on Sunday, authorities said. The shooting occurred during a pursuit in downtown Memphis, where the Guard members were part of a crime-fighting patrol. The man, identified as 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson, was shot after turning toward the soldiers with a gun.
The incident happened around 4 a.m. when the Guard members and local police responded to reports of gunshots. The soldiers opened fire after Johnson turned toward them with his weapon, according to the Memphis Police Department. Johnson died at the scene after two National Guard medical specialists attempted first aid.
Memphis Shooting Incident
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the shooting and has identified the man as Tyrin Johnson. Johnson’s family says he was shot twice in the chest, according to the TBI. The Memphis Police Department declined to comment on what footage existed and when it would be released.
Johnson’s grandfather, Evaniel Johnson, said his grandson was a father of a young child, took classes at Tennessee State University, and was preparing to help lead the family business. He also said his grandson was passionate about making music. Evaniel Johnson disputes that his grandson would have tried to fire a gun at the Guard members and believes deadly force was not necessary.
According to his grandfather, Johnson carried a gun for protection after being attacked recently in Nashville and was likely wary about being attacked again over a social media feud. A relative of Johnson said she is devastated by his death and that loved ones had urged him not to come to Memphis for the Fourth of July.
Investigation and Reaction
Memphis Mayor Paul Young called the shooting an “unfortunate incident” and said he is waiting to see the results of the TBI investigation before commenting further. The shooting has sparked concerns about the use of federal troops in Memphis, which was part of a task force convened by President Trump to combat crime.
The task force has led to over 10,000 arrests, but has also been met with criticism and controversy. The incident highlights the ongoing debate about the role of federal troops in local law enforcement and the potential risks and consequences of their involvement. As the investigation into the shooting continues, the city of Memphis and the nation will be watching to see how this incident will impact the future of federal involvement in local crime-fighting efforts.
