Memphis may soon see boots on the ground, with state and federal leaders discussing the National Guard’s deployment to tackle the city's crime wave. Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) signaled support for this action on social media, "I’m encouraged by Washington, D.C.’s enforced curfew for minors, supported by law enforcement and the National Guard, I’m also partnering with Sen. Marsha Blackburn to explore deploying the National Guard in Memphis," as reported by Action News 5.
However, not all voices are in harmony over the matter. Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) voiced concerns, asserting, "We’ve always, since the Revolutionary War, not wanted federal officials to come in and police our communities. The same feeling is alive today. People don’t want the federal government to come in, in that regard," as per Action News 5. Cohen fears the potential for a negative image, where deployment might signal a city out of control to outsiders.
Community reactions are a mixed bag but lean towards skepticism and concern. Local residents chime in with varied perspectives. Cortez Well predicts intensified turmoil, saying, "It’ll bring chaos bro, it’s already bullcrap here. Enough bullcrap here, they’re gonna bring chaos because people feel like they’re being targeted at that point," in a WREG interview. Others like Gerald Tabor argue that what Memphis needs isn't a military presence but a healing touch, addressing the root causes of crime such as poverty, and investing in community rebuilding efforts rather than added enforcement.
Despite the local FBI Director's designation of Memphis as the homicide capital, Governor Bill Lee's comments affirm that all options remain on the table to address crime in the city, including the potential deployment of the National Guard. With plans already in motion for Chicago and Baltimore, Memphis might be the next city to witness federal intervention. Mayor Paul Young has been preparing key figures in the public and private sectors for the possibility, as relayed by sources to ABC24. Yet, the details of these preparations remain under wraps, after officials cancelled a planned press conference without explanation.
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