Tennessee National Guard

The Tennessee National Guard is a state military force that can be deployed by the governor for various missions. Recently, the Guard has been in the news due to its controversial deployment in Memphis. In early May 2026, National Guard soldiers on patrol in Memphis shot and killed a man who authorities stated had turned and pulled a gun on them during a chase. This incident occurred while the Guard was responding to a report of gunfire. Furthermore, the Tennessee National Guard is implicated in a lawsuit filed by Memphis residents. The lawsuit alleges abuses by a task force, which included state and federal agencies, accusing members of harassing bystanders who recorded enforcement activities. These events highlight the Guard's current role in supporting law enforcement operations in Memphis and the scrutiny it faces regarding its conduct.