Federal Task Force Involved in Multiple Fatal Shootings in Memphis

A federal task force operating in Memphis has been linked to four fatal shootings within a short span, raising questions about its tactics and oversight.

Latest Incident (Wednesday)

• DEA agents served a drug warrant at a hotel room.
• The suspect refused to open the door; agents broke it down.
• A DEA agent fired after the suspect pointed a handgun, killing him.

Ongoing Investigation

• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is examining why the shooting escalated, noting that a DEA agent fired and struck a man.

Background

• The task force was formed in September under President Trump’s “Safe Cities” initiative, deploying National Guard troops and federal agents to crime‑heavy cities.
• Tennessee Governor Bill Lee supports the federal presence; Memphis Mayor Paul Young is cautious but wants troops to be useful.

Other Fatalities

• Sunday: Two National Guard members of the same task force killed a 20‑year‑old Tyrin Johnson after he turned toward them with a gun during a downtown chase.
• Johnson’s family seeks video evidence to clarify the incident.
• May: A previous DEA agent shooting of Darrin Pigram.
• Undated: A Homeland Security agent fired during a threat report involving Jonah Neal, who died under unclear circumstances.
• December: A Highway Patrol trooper assigned to the task force fired at a vehicle that wouldn’t stop, wounding a person who survived.

All five incidents are under investigation by the TBI, and public scrutiny over the task force’s use of force continues to grow.