In brief
Memphis Mayor Paul Young confirmed President Trump's announcement about deploying the National Guard to assist with local crime concerns. Despite recent decreases in major crimes, such as murders hitting a six-year low, the city struggles with ongoing gun violence. Young expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the National Guard deployment but acknowledges the need for improved coordination in the city's law enforcement efforts.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis' Mayor Paul Young confirmed on Saturday that President Donald Trump's announcement about deploying the National Guard to the city for anti-crime efforts was the first official indication he received regarding this intervention.
During an appearance on CNN, Mayor Young detailed that he first learned of the proposal's consideration earlier in the week from Republican Governor Bill Lee's office. Regular discussions took place through the week as Young explored enhancing law enforcement presence through federal agencies like the FBI and the DEA, alongside local law enforcement measures.
Trump's announcement followed on a Friday morning segment on Fox News, describing Memphis as 'deeply troubled' and committing to 'fix' the issues similar to interventions previously made in Washington. When asked if the announcement provided him with 'hard confirmation,' Young stated that indeed it did.
Interestingly, just days prior to Trump's announcement, reports from the Memphis police indicated drops in major crime categories for the first eight months of 2025 compared to previous years, marking the lowest overall crime rate in 25 years, with murders at a six-year low.
However, Memphis continues to grapple with severe gun violence, having recorded a striking 390 homicides in 2023. The city also has yet to resolve the community's lingering trauma from the January 2023 death of Tyre Nichols, who died after an incident with local police officers, prompting a federal investigation into local law enforcement practices.
Mayor Young emphasized that while he did not request the deployment of the National Guard and questioned its efficacy in reducing crime, he acknowledged the city's negative perception in national crime statistics. As plans progress, Young aims to guide how the National Guard interacts within Memphis, suggesting possible roles including aiding at large events, traffic management, and community monitoring.
As the details of the deployment remain unclear, Young expressed hopes for further clarification in the coming week. The decision arrives alongside ongoing discussions with Governor Lee and federal officials about the strategic implementation of the National Guard's presence in addressing local crime challenges.
