After four killings and a revealing autopsy, Memphis is fed up with the national guard takeover
Although state officials laud a reduction in violent crime, a report claims it would have happened without the taskforce
TL;DR
- National Guard troops were deployed to Memphis a year ago as part of a federal surge to reduce violent crime.
- Initial acceptance has turned to doubt regarding the troops' effectiveness and respect for civil rights, especially after four people were killed in shootings involving federal agents.
- Proponents claim the Memphis Safe Task Force has significantly reduced violent crime, but independent analysis disputes these claims, stating the deployment had no measurable impact.
- A report by the Center for American Progress argued that the primary goal of the deployments was not crime reduction and found no compelling evidence of reduced homicides or violent crime.
- Public sentiment began to shift negatively after the autopsy of Tyrin Johnson revealed he was shot in the back by National Guard soldiers.
- Local businesses have started refusing service to National Guard troops in protest, gaining support from the community.
- The Memphis city council initially rejected a resolution condemning the federal surge, but recent elections may lead to renewed legal action against the taskforce.