What You Need to Know
• National Guard troops shot and killed 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson in downtown Memphis early Sunday morning.
• Memphis police responded to reports of gunfire and pursued Johnson, who was armed with a handgun.
• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the shooting at the request of local authorities.
Memphis police reported that National Guard troops fired their weapons, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson in downtown Memphis on Sunday morning. Officers responded to calls about shots fired just before 4 a.m. and encountered Johnson, who fled on foot while armed with a handgun. The situation escalated, leading to two National Guard soldiers firing at Johnson, who allegedly turned toward them with his weapon. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, and no law enforcement officers were injured. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the incident to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime in Memphis, which has one of the highest rates in the country. The National Guard has been patrolling the city since October 2024 as part of a federal task force aimed at reducing crime, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from local residents and officials. Despite the high crime rates, Memphis police reported a decline in overall crime and violent crime in 2025. The investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will seek to clarify the events leading up to the shooting and assess the actions of the National Guard soldiers involved.
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