Two National Guard members fatally shot a man during a pursuit in Memphis, according to the Memphis Police Department.
The victim has been identified as a former Tennessee State University student, according to reports from WSMV. The shooting took place after the Guard members attempted to stop the man, who then fled on foot, according to police statements. The encounter ended when the guardsmen opened fire, killing the man at the scene.
The Memphis Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting. The family of the deceased has publicly demanded the immediate release of all available surveillance and body-worn camera footage to determine if the use of lethal force was justified, according to the AP.
Why were National Guard members patrolling Memphis streets?
The presence of Tennessee National Guard troops in Memphis is part of a broader state initiative to supplement local law enforcement.
State lawmakers have reacted with criticism to the deployment. According to WREG, some lawmakers stated “we knew this would happen,” suggesting that the lack of traditional police training for military members in civilian policing environments increases the likelihood of fatal errors.
What are the demands from the victim’s family and advocates?
According to the Associated Press, the family is specifically seeking the release of video evidence to verify the police account of the pursuit and the moments leading up to the shots fired.
How does this incident contrast with standard police pursuits?
The contrast in this case lies in the status of the shooters. Lawmakers cited by WREG suggest this gap in training may have contributed to the fatal outcome of the pursuit.
The following table outlines the current status of the investigation and the primary demands from stakeholders:
| Stakeholder | Primary Demand/Action | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Family | Release of all video footage | Pending Police Review |
| State Lawmakers | Review of Guard deployment policy | Calls for hearings |
| Memphis Police | Fact-finding investigation | Active/Ongoing |
What happens next in the investigation?
Updates will be provided as official filings or police reports are made public.
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