National Guard Soldiers Fatally Shoot Armed Man During Memphis Task Force Chase
MEMPHIS – Just before 4 a.m. on July 5, 2026, Memphis police responded to reports of gunfire in the downtown area. Officers arrived to find several individuals fleeing the scene, including an armed male later identified as 20‑year‑old Tyrin Johnson. After a brief foot chase, Johnson fled on foot and was pursued by both local police and two members of the Tennessee National Guard who were stationed in the city as part of the federal Memphis Safe Task Force.
According to a statement from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Johnson turned toward the Guard members while brandishing his handgun. For reasons “under investigation,” the two Guard soldiers fired, striking Johnson twice in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite first‑aid efforts from two Guard medical specialists.
Johnson’s background, revealed through court and traffic records, showed a limited criminal history. While he had two misdemeanor traffic violations in 2023 in Davidson County and a 2024 charge for driving with a suspended license in Wilson County, no serious felony convictions were found in Shelby County or other jurisdictions.
Lt. Col. Darrin Haas, spokesperson for the Tennessee National Guard, confirmed the soldiers were acting under the authority of the Memphis Safe Task Force, a deployment initiated by the Trump administration in October 2025 to assist local law‑enforcement with rising violent crime. The task force, which includes federal agencies and local police, has been the subject of lawsuits and a temporary injunction that was later overturned by an appellate court.
Mayor Paul Young described the shooting as an “unfortunate incident” and said he is awaiting the TBI’s investigation results before commenting further. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy also confirmed the involvement of two Guard members and has requested a full investigation by the TBI.
The shooting marks the fourth officer‑involved shooting linked to the task force and the third fatal encounter. Earlier in May, a DEA agent and a Homeland Security special agent were each involved in fatal shootings while serving under the same task force.
Community reactions have been mixed. Family members, including Johnson’s cousin Terracle Nelson, reported that Johnson was shot twice in the chest. Johnson’s grandfather, Evaniel Johnson, emphasized the victim’s role as a father, student, and aspiring musician, calling for a thorough review of any video evidence before forming judgments.
Legal experts note that the deployment of National Guard troops in domestic law‑enforcement roles remains controversial, citing concerns over civil liberties and the potential for escalated use of lethal force. The ongoing investigation by the TBI will determine whether the Guard members’ actions were justified under state law and whether any policy changes are needed for future task‑force operations.
As Memphis continues to grapple with high violent‑crime rates, city officials and residents alike are watching closely to see how this latest incident will shape the future of federal‑state cooperation on public safety.
