Članovi Nacionalne garde na patroli u Memphisu poginuli su čovjeka tijekom potjere, kaže policija.

Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Washington Expands Ahead of Holiday

As the United States approaches its holiday season, the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., has expanded significantly, with nearly 5,000 soldiers now stationed in the nation’s capital—double the initial number announced by the administration. These troops, many of whom have spent their time cleaning up graffiti and removing litter from public spaces, reflect a broader strategy to bolster security amid heightened concerns about public safety. This expansion comes as part of a larger initiative spearheaded by the Trump administration, which has directed National Guard units to several major cities, including Memphis, Tennessee, where recent events have sparked intense debate and controversy.

In Memphis, two National Guard members were involved in a fatal shooting during a routine patrol. According to authorities, the incident occurred on Sunday when the soldiers responded to reports of gunfire and pursued an armed suspect. During the chase, the suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson, turned toward the soldiers with a gun, prompting them to open fire. Johnson died at the scene after receiving emergency care from two National Guard medical specialists. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, although no law enforcement personnel were injured in the process.

Tyrin Johnson’s family expressed deep sorrow and confusion over the incident. His older cousin, Terracle Nelson, described him as a responsible young man who was working in construction, attending university, and recently became a father. Nelson emphasized that Johnson had not posed any threat to others and questioned why he was shot twice in the chest. Despite these claims, law enforcement authorities have yet to provide detailed accounts of the number of shots fired or the exact sequence of events leading to Johnson’s death.

The deployment of National Guard troops in Memphis has faced significant opposition from local leaders, particularly Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, who has criticized the federal intervention as unnecessary. However, the deployment has received backing from Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, and continues despite legal challenges. In April, the Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled that Democratic officials lacked standing to block the deployment, effectively allowing the operation to proceed. Meanwhile, a group of Memphis residents, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, has filed a pending lawsuit challenging the legality of the task force’s actions, alleging violations of civil liberties and potential retaliation against citizens who attempt to document law enforcement activities.

These deployments are part of the "Memphis Safe Task Force," a joint effort between federal and local agencies initiated by President Trump. The task force aims to address what the administration describes as an escalating crime problem, even though data shows that violent crime rates in many cities, including Memphis, have decreased significantly since the height of the pandemic. The financial burden of these deployments is substantial, with estimates suggesting that the costs could exceed $1 billion this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The situation in Memphis highlights the growing tensions between federal authority and local governance, as well as the complex legal and ethical questions surrounding the use of military forces in domestic policing. As investigations into the shooting continue and legal battles unfold, the impact of these deployments on both public safety and civil rights remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.