Governor Lee speaks out on National Guard deployment to Memphis
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL LEE:
Gov. Lee Issues Statement on Strategic Mission to Address Crime in Memphis
Multi-agency partnership to include TN National Guard, FBI, THP, MPD, and other law enforcement
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement regarding the strategic mission to address crime in Memphis:
FILE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.
“For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump Administration to develop a multi-phased, strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources.
The next phase will include a comprehensive mission with the Tennessee National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies, and we are working closely with the Trump Administration to determine the most effective role for each of these agencies to best serve Memphians.
Our goal is to accelerate the positive momentum of Operation Viper — an ongoing FBI mission in Memphis with a dedicated task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement that has already arrested hundreds of the most violent offenders. To further support this mission, I have authorized an additional Tennessee Highway Patrol surge in Shelby County, and THP continues to work closely with the Memphis Police Department through the Bluff City Task Force.
I’ve been in close contact with the Administration throughout the week, and will be speaking with President Trump this afternoon to work out details of the mission. I’m grateful for the President’s unwavering support and commitment to providing every resource necessary to serve Memphians, and I look forward to working with local officials and law enforcement to continue delivering results.
As one of America’s world-class cities, Memphis remains on a path to greatness, and we are not going to let anything hold them back.”
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