News From Multiple Perspectives

National Guard members on patrol in Memphis fatally shoot man during pursuit, police say

Published July 6, 2026 at 2:57 PM UTC

Authored by
Every article published on DirectionFreeNews undergoes editorial review by our editorial team. Our editors research publicly available information from multiple trusted news organizations, compare differing perspectives, verify key facts, and publish balanced summaries intended to help readers better understand important events. Our editorial process is designed to reduce editorial bias by considering multiple reputable sources rather than relying on a single viewpoint

On July 5, 2026, two Tennessee National Guard members, assigned to a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis, fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson during a foot pursuit in downtown Memphis. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when the soldiers, responding alongside local police to reports of gunfire, began pursuing an armed man fleeing on foot. Authorities stated that Johnson turned toward the soldiers with a weapon, prompting them to open fire. Despite attempts at first aid by National Guard medics, Johnson died at the scene. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the shooting. Johnson, described by his grandfather as a student, young father, and aspiring music artist, had no significant criminal history. Memphis Mayor Paul Young called the event "unfortunate" and is awaiting the results of the TBI investigation. The Memphis Safe Task Force, active since October and linked to over 10,000 arrests, has been controversial, especially given its connection to multiple officer-involved shootings. Memphis continues to grapple with high violent crime rates, though some categories have declined. A state appeals court recently ruled that Democratic officials could not prevent federal troop deployment in the city. "