November 7, 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — National Guard troops were patrolling in Tennessee's second-largest city for the first time Friday.
At least nine armed Guard members began their patrol at the Bass Pro Shops located at the Pyramid, an iconic landmark in Memphis, and a nearby tourist welcome center along the Mississippi River. Wearing Guard fatigues and protective vests labeled “military police,” they were being escorted by a local police officer and posed for photos with visitors.
It was unclear how many Guard members were on the ground or were expected to arrive later.
Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, said he never requested that the Guard come to Memphis. But after President Donald Trump made the Sept. 15 announcement and Republican Gov. Bill Lee agreed, Young and others said they wanted the task force to focus on targeting violent offenders rather than use their presence to scare, harass, or intimidate the general public.
Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said Wednesday she hoped Guard personnel would help direct traffic and have a presence in “retail corridors,” but not be used to operate checkpoints or anything similar.
Lee previously said troops would not make arrests and would not be armed unless local law enforcement officials request it.
For years, Memphis, whose population exceeds 600,000, has dealt with high violent crime, including assaults, carjackings, and homicides.
Federal officials say hundreds of arrests and more than 2,800 traffic citations have been made since the task force began operating in Memphis on Sept. 29. Arrest categories include active warrants, drugs, firearms, and sex offenses, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Four arrests have been made on homicide charges, the Marshals Service said.
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