Two Tennessee National Guard members on a crime-fighting patrol in Memphis fatally shot a man Sunday morning who turned toward them with a gun during a downtown chase.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. near Ida B. Wells and Gayoso Avenues in downtown Memphis. The guardsmen, part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, were responding with local police to reports of gunshots when they pursued an armed man on foot. Authorities say the man turned toward the soldiers with his weapon, prompting them to open fire. The 20-year-old victim, identified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as Tyrin Johnson, died at the scene despite first aid attempts by Guard medical specialists. No law enforcement officers were injured.
Johnson, who lived in Nashville and was visiting the area, had just become a father earlier this year and was taking college classes while working in construction, according to family members. His cousin described him as a good person and questioned the circumstances of the shooting.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, as is standard procedure. The Memphis Police Department and National Guard have cooperated fully.
The guardsmen are assigned to a federal task force launched by the Trump administration to combat violent crime in Memphis, a city that has struggled with high rates of assaults, carjackings and homicides for years. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee deployed the Guard to support the effort, which has resulted in thousands of arrests but also sparked debate over federal involvement in local policing. This marks the first reported deadly shooting involving Guard members since the deployment began last fall.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young called the incident unfortunate and said he awaits the TBI's findings. Community members expressed mixed reactions, with some concerned about safety during holiday celebrations while others noted ongoing crime challenges in the area.
No other injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the pursuit.
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