Federal Surge Targets memphis Crime as Governor Pledges Long-Term Support
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a important increase in federal resources dedicated to combating crime in Memphis on September 15, signaling a sustained effort to improve public safety in the city. The move comes amid heightened concerns following a recent spike in violent crime and follows an announcement from former President Donald Trump committing federal support.
The influx of aid isn’t a temporary measure, officials stressed. “It will operate as long as it takes,” Lee stated, outlining a vision for Memphis to become “a safe city…a place where people have no concerns about going out with their family, about locating their business.” He defined success as Memphis being recognized “as one of the safest places in America.”
The state will contribute $100 million to Memphis for public safety initiatives and deploy 300 state troopers, with 100 on the ground in Shelby County at any given time. This supplements the existing law enforcement presence of over 2,000 Memphis Police Department officers and more than 600 Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Federal troops and agents are also being deployed as part of the effort.
Former president Trump initially announced plans to send the national Guard to Memphis on September 12, signing an executive order establishing a task force to oversee the mission on September 15. Trump has previously considered deploying federal forces to other cities facing crime challenges, including Chicago, New Orleans, and Portland, often contingent on requests from state governors. He indicated Chicago may be the next target for federal assistance following Memphis.