Full Breakdown
Fatal Shooting of Tyrin Johnson by Tennessee National Guard in Downtown Memphis
7/6/2026, 1:19:08 AM
Fatal Shooting in Downtown Memphis
On Sunday just before 4 a.m., Memphis police and two Tennessee National Guard soldiers responded to a shots-fired call near AutoZone Park at Ida B. Wells and Gayoso Avenues. They found 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson with a handgun, who fled on foot. During the chase Johnson turned toward the Guard with his weapon; two Guard soldiers fired, striking him. Johnson died at the scene; no officers were injured. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating at the request of District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Background and Context
The Guard began patrolling Memphis in October 2025 as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, created by President Donald Trump to curb violent crime. Memphis, with over 600,000 residents, has one of the nation’s highest violent-crime rates. Democratic officials sued to block the deployment; a temporary injunction was issued and later overturned by the Tennessee Court of Appeals in April, allowing the Guard to continue under Governor Bill Lee.
Data and Statistics
Memphis’s population exceeds 600,000 and its violent-crime rate ranks among the nation’s highest. The Guard deployment has cost about $0.5 billion through December 2025 and is projected to exceed $1 billion in 2026 (Congressional Budget Office). Two Guard soldiers fired; no officers were injured.
Official Statements & Responses
The TBI said the incident escalated for reasons under investigation, leading two Guard soldiers to fire on Johnson. Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Darrin Haas noted two Guard medics provided first aid before Johnson was pronounced dead. Mayor Paul Young called the shooting an “unfortunate incident” and said he will await the TBI’s findings.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents contend the Guard’s deployment exceeds the governor’s constitutional authority. In May, four residents, represented by the ACLU, filed a federal lawsuit to block a state law barring people from approaching within 25 feet of officers for recording, alleging retaliatory surveillance of those who film the task force.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree Johnson turned toward the Guard and was shot, but the precise trigger for the escalation remains under investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in two National Guard soldiers firing upon Johnson, striking and killing him,” — Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- “Memphis police said the man had "turned toward NG members with his weapon" before the National Guard soldiers fired their weapons and struck him.” — Memphis Police Department
- “unfortunate incident” — Mayor Paul Young
What’s Next
The TBI investigation will determine whether criminal charges are warranted and guide any policy review of Guard engagement. The ACLU-backed lawsuit proceeds, potentially shaping future recording-rights restrictions.
