Key facts
- Tyrin Johnson, 20, was shot and killed by Tennessee National Guard members in Memphis.
- His grandfather, Evaniel Johnson, is demanding the release of video footage and disputes the official account.
- Police claim Johnson turned toward guards with a gun while fleeing a gunfire report.
- Democrats are calling for transparency and the immediate release of any investigative video.
- The National Guard members were part of a federal task force initiated by President Donald Trump.
The family of Tyrin Johnson, a 20-year-old man fatally shot by Tennessee National Guard members in Memphis, is demanding answers and the release of video footage. Evaniel Johnson, Tyrin's grandfather, disputes the police narrative that his grandson turned toward the guards with a gun while fleeing a reported gunfire incident.
Evaniel Johnson stated that his grandson, a former correctional officer, would not have fired at guards and questioned the necessity of deadly force if Tyrin was running away. He believes Tyrin may have been carrying a gun for protection after a recent assault and a social media dispute.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the shooting, which involved two guard members firing their weapons. Johnson's family was informed he was shot twice in the chest. Memphis police declined to comment on existing footage or its release, and the National Guard has not commented on whether the involved members are on leave.
Tennessee Senate Democratic leaders Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar, along with State Rep. Justin Pearson, have called for transparency in the investigation and the release of any video evidence. Pearson also advocated for the disbanding of the federal task force, stating that armed soldiers are "terrifying our people."
President Donald Trump had previously deployed National Guard troops to Memphis as part of a crime-fighting initiative. While met with mixed responses and a lawsuit, the deployment did not lead to widespread protests. Data from the TBI indicates at least three people have died in four shootings linked to this federal task force.
Tyrin Johnson reportedly had no criminal history beyond traffic violations and was a student at Tennessee State University. His grandfather had hoped he would return to university and was training him for a role in the family's real estate business. Evaniel Johnson expressed regret that his grandson was in Memphis instead of staying home with family.