President Trump’s National Guard deployment faces backlash
President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities has raised questions about the military’s role in civilian life.
MEMPHIS — State authorities are investigating two fatal shootings that occurred within days of each other in Memphis. The shooting involved members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tennessee National Guard, who are deployed to the city as part of a federal crime-fighting task force.
The latest shooting occurred July 8 at an East Memphis hotel where DEA agents were attempting to serve a drug warrant, a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network. The man, later identified as Alfonso Ivey, 47, was shot and killed by investigators after he allegedly pointed a handgun at members of the Memphis Safety Task Force.
“For reasons still under investigation, the situation escalated and DEA agents opened fire into the room, striking and killing the man,” the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.
The investigation comes as the city also grapples with questions surrounding a separate shooting involving two troopers who shot and killed 20-year-old Tyryn Johnson during a pursuit in downtown Memphis over the July 4th weekend.
DEA agents and troopers are in the city as part of the Memphis Security Task Force, created by the Trump administration to fight crime in Memphis. Since the outbreak began in late September 2025, there have been four deadly shootings involving riot police.
Drug Enforcement Administration shoots at East Memphis hotel
The DEA shooting occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time on July 8 at the Extended Stay America hotel as Memphis Security Operations Team was attempting to serve an arrest warrant for a “fugitive wanted on felony drug charges.”
The sheriff’s office said officers forced entry into the building after verbally contacting the suspect and asking him to leave. At that time, the suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at a member of the task force, who then shot and killed the suspect.
The sheriff’s office said officers provided first aid to the suspect until emergency medical personnel arrived. No police officers were injured in the incident.
The incident led to a large law enforcement presence at the hotel, with about 20 marked and unmarked law enforcement vehicles surrounding the hotel, The Commercial Appeal reported. All entrances to the hotel were also temporarily closed.
On July 9, the State Bureau of Investigation identified the suspect as Ivey. A spokesperson for the department also confirmed that the department is investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting at the request of Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Tennessee National Guard shooting remains under intense scrutiny
Johnson was shot and killed by two Guard members during a pursuit in downtown Memphis on July 5, authorities said.
Memphis Police Department said officers responded to a call of shots fired in the area just before 4 a.m. local time. According to police, upon arriving at the scene, officers saw several people leaving the scene and “observed an armed male with a handgun.”
Police said Johnson fled on foot and was pursued by officers along with other security personnel assigned to the area. During the pursuit, Johnson allegedly swung at the officers with a weapon, police said.
“For reasons under investigation, the situation escalated and two National Guard members opened fire on Mr. Johnson, striking him to death,” the state Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. “No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident.”
The department said in a statement that Johnson “reportedly fired shots in the area.” Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Darin Haas said two Guard medical professionals attempted first aid, but Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mulroy previously confirmed to the Commercial Appeal that he called state investigators to investigate the shooting. The case quickly attracted public attention, and calls for a transparent investigation grew. Johnson’s grandfather told The Associated Press he wants answers about the circumstances that led to Johnson’s death.
“Show me the video,” Evanuel Johnson told The Associated Press. “Show me that and I’ll be fine. Until you show me that, I’m going to fight until my last breath and defend my grandson.”
National Guard deployed to Memphis
Last year, President Donald Trump sent Guard troops and federal agents to Democratic-led cities including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Portland, Oregon and Memphis. Despite opposition from local leaders, the Trump administration cited crime and protests as reasons for the deployment.
The Guard has been stationed in Memphis since October 2025. Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomed federal intervention. Memphis Mayor Paul Young (D) said he “doesn’t support” deploying security guards.
Guard members, clearly distinguished by their military fatigues, have been seen throughout downtown Memphis on patrol and directing traffic at events. They have also been seen securing crime scene perimeters throughout the city.
The Guard’s deployment to Memphis is the subject of a lawsuit filed by a group of local and state Democratic officials. A Davidson County Chancery Court judge initially granted a temporary restraining order against the deployment, but it was denied by a panel of appellate judges.
A temporary restraining order would have required the Guard to withdraw from Memphis pending the outcome of the case. The case has stalled since the appeals court struck it down.
This week’s shooting comes after a DEA agent shot and killed a 41-year-old man in May. A week later, Homeland Security Investigations special agents shot and killed a 25-year-old man.
Contributor: N’dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY. Joel Haley and Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal
