National Guard Deployment Confirmed for Memphis Amid Ongoing Crime Issues

Sun Dec 07 2025 21:07:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Memphis Mayor Paul Young revealed President Trump’s announcement about deploying the National Guard to assist in fighting crime was his first confirmation of the action. The move comes as Memphis grapples with rising violence despite recent drops in crime rates.

During a CNN interview, Memphis Mayor Paul Young confirmed that President Trump's recent announcement about deploying the National Guard was the first official notice he received regarding the action. The heightened law enforcement presence aims to address ongoing crime challenges in the city, despite a recent report showing declines in various crime categories. Young expressed hesitance towards the deployment, arguing it was not a requested solution and shared concerns over community perceptions shaped by historical events. Further details on the specific roles of the National Guard remain undetermined as discussions continue with state officials.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated on Saturday that President Donald Trump's announcement regarding the deployment of the National Guard to the city was his first clear confirmation of the action.

In an interview with CNN, Mayor Young indicated that he had initially learned the possibility of a National Guard deployment from the office of the Republican Governor Bill Lee earlier that week. Continued discussions throughout the week revolved around increasing law enforcement support through various federal agencies.

On Friday morning, Trump announced on Fox News that Memphis is deeply troubled and pledged to address the issues similarly to Washington, where federal law enforcement support was previously augmented.

Before Trump's announcement, Mayor Young confirmed he had not received formal confirmation, stating, No, that was the confirmation. Despite the city's recent drop in crime rates, Memphis has faced persistent gun violence. The city reported a record 390 homicides in 2023.

Young, who did not request the National Guard's intervention, expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in reducing crime. Nonetheless, he aims to drive the engagement of the Guard in Memphis once the deployment begins.

Discussions around the details of the National Guard's role are ongoing, with Young suggesting that they could assist with traffic during large events, monitor surveillance feeds, and help beautify neighborhoods.

The governor's office has yet to finalize how many troops will be deployed and when. Young hopes to receive more information in the coming week.

Memphis has seen various crime reduction successes, but the presence of the National Guard evokes strong historical memories, especially following the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968.

While federal troops in Washington operate under presidential command, the situation in Memphis differs because governors control their state’s National Guards. Young voiced concerns about ensuring that the deployment is handled thoughtfully, acknowledging community fears and the historical implications of military presence.

In closing, discussions continue about how best to utilize the National Guard’s deployment in response to Memphis's ongoing struggles with crime and violence in the community.