- State National Guard troops shot and killed Tyrin Johnson at roughly 4 a.m. CDT on Sunday.
- Memphis police officers were pursuing Johnson after he fired shots in the area.
- National Guard soldiers joined the pursuit and fired upon Johnson, resulting in his death.
- Evaniel Johnson demands video footage of the incident.
- Gov. Bill Lee described the shooting as 'tragic' and stated that the details are still being determined.
- Lee supports a full investigation while standing behind the Memphis Safe Task Force and the National Guard’s presence in the city.
- The shooting has raised questions about the National Guard’s presence in Memphis and whether soldiers should be armed.
- Agents from the state bureau of investigation are working to independently determine the events leading up to the shooting.
- The TBI will share its findings with the district attorney, who will determine whether the actions of the officers were justified.
- Miriam Nemeth emphasized the importance of community documentation in light of the incident.
Tyrin Johnson, 20, was shot and killed by Tennessee National Guard soldiers during an incident in Memphis early Sunday morning. The shooting occurred after Memphis police pursued Johnson, who had fired shots and was armed with a handgun.3
"For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in two National Guard soldiers firing upon Johnson, striking and killing him," the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) stated.
Gov. Bill Lee called the incident 'tragic' and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, while also supporting the National Guard's role in the Memphis Safe Task Force.6
"Show me the video," demanded Evaniel Johnson, the victim's grandfather, as he seeks transparency regarding the events leading to his grandson's death.45
The TBI is currently collecting evidence and conducting interviews to independently determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This incident marks the third known fatal shooting involving officers from the Memphis task force, which includes National Guard troops and various federal agencies.
The shooting has reignited discussions about the appropriateness of armed National Guard presence in Memphis, with Mayor Paul Young indicating that initial conversations about arming troops have evolved into debates over the types of weapons they should carry.
As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and officials are calling for accountability and clarity in the handling of such incidents.
“Evaniel Johnson, the victim's grandfather, insists, 'Show me the video,' highlighting the community's need for transparency. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent inquiry into the shooting, which has raised concerns about the National Guard's armed presence in Memphis.”
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