Gov. Lee, President Trump meet to discuss mission to address crime in Memphis

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL LEE:

4 hours ago

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

Gov. Lee, President Trump Meet in Oval Office to Discuss Strategic Mission to Address Crime in Memphis
Presidential Memorandum establishes Memphis Safe Task Force

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined President Donald J. Trump inside the Oval Office for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force, and to request that President Trump grant activation of the Tennessee National Guard under Title 32 orders. This public meeting is the result of months of coordination with the Trump Administration to develop a multi-phased, strategic plan to leverage the full extent of both federal and state resources to fight crime in Memphis.

“Memphis is a remarkable community with great cultural significance that includes top global business and strong faith leaders, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to move this city forward,” said Gov. Lee. “We’ve made significant investments to address crime throughout my seven years in office, and thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Memphis Safe Task Force will ensure we have every resource at our disposal to create significant change.”

The Memphis Safe Task Force establishes strong coordination and shared resources between law enforcement agencies at all levels of government, including the Tennessee National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and others. On the ground, the task force will be led by the U.S. Marshals Service and will share intelligence, develop joint priorities, and maximize resources to enhance public safety in Memphis.

The task force will accelerate the positive momentum of Operation Viper – an ongoing FBI mission that has already arrested hundreds of the most violent offenders.

To further support the mission, Gov. Lee has authorized an additional surge of Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers into Shelby County. The largest force in Tennessee, more than 100 troopers are activated to support local law enforcement and keep Memphians safe, and THP continues to work closely with the Memphis Police Department through the Bluff City Task Force.

Through the Violent Crime Intervention Fund and Downtown Public Safety Grants, Tennessee has pledged an unprecedented $200 million to fight violent crime and make cities safer, and more than $40 million has been obligated across Shelby County to support local law enforcement agencies as they implement evidence-based programs, technologies and strategies to reduce crime.

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