MEMPHIS — State investigators are looking into a deadly early-morning shooting Sunday in downtown Memphis after two soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard fired on a man during a foot pursuit, authorities said.
What authorities say
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed agents responded to the scene near the intersection of Ida B. Wells Avenue and Union Avenue about 4 a.m. The man, identified by the TBI as 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson, was armed with a handgun and had reportedly fired shots in the area before police engaged in a foot pursuit.
Memphis police officers and National Guard soldiers assigned to the local task force were involved in the chase. According to the TBI, the encounter escalated and two National Guard soldiers fired, striking and killing Johnson. No law enforcement personnel were reported injured.
"For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in two National Guard soldiers firing upon Johnson, striking and killing him,"
The agency said it is working at the request of 30th Judicial District Attorney General Steve Mulroy to "independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting," including collecting evidence and conducting interviews.
Local context and deployment
The National Guard presence in Memphis began in October when soldiers were assigned as part of a federal task force meant to assist local law enforcement. The deployment has been politically contentious: some local and state officials pursued legal action to block the assignment, arguing it ran afoul of Tennessee constitutional limits on use of the state militia. Supporters of the deployment have pointed to high violent-crime statistics in Memphis and said the additional personnel were needed.
The investigation will examine how soldiers operating with the Memphis Safe Task Force coordinated with Memphis police during the pursuit and the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force.
Timeline (preliminary)
| Time (approx.) | Event |
|---|---|
| Just before 4 a.m. | Reports of shots fired in downtown Memphis |
| About 4 a.m. | Officers pursue a man identified as Tyrin Johnson; National Guard soldiers nearby join pursuit |
| Shortly after | Two National Guard soldiers fire, striking and killing Johnson; pronounced dead at the scene |
What this means for residents
- The TBI is leading the inquiry to determine the facts; it may take days or weeks to complete interviews, forensic work and review of any video or other physical evidence.
- The involvement of National Guard soldiers in a deadly encounter is likely to draw further public scrutiny because of the ongoing deployment and previous legal challenges in state courts.
- Community members seeking information can expect updates from the TBI and from the Shelby County district attorney’s office as the investigation proceeds.
I will continue to monitor official releases from the TBI, statements from the district attorney and any public briefings from Memphis police. For now, investigators have asked anyone with relevant information or footage to contact the TBI as they assemble a timeline and evidence in the case.
— Ruby Callahan, Tennessee correspondent
