The family of a man shot by the Tennessee National Guard demands video release
The family of 28-year-old Tyrin Johnson, who was fatally shot by a Tennessee National Guard member during a traffic stop in Memphis, is demanding the release of body camera and dash camera footage. The shooting occurred early Saturday, and authorities say the guardsman is cooperating with the investigation. The family’s attorney argues the video is crucial to understanding what happened.
Background
- Tyrin Johnson, a 21-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by a Tennessee National Guard member in Memphis on March 7, 2025. The Guard member was working a secondary job providing security for a towing company when the shooting occurred.
- The family and their attorney are demanding the release of surveillance video and body-camera footage, saying the officer's account — that Johnson was armed with a gun — is not supported by what they've heard.
- The Tennessee National Guard is a reserve military force under dual state-federal control. Its members can work civilian security jobs in uniform, which is what happened here.
- This comes amid continued national scrutiny of police and military-involved shootings of Black civilians, and follows Memphis's heightened attention since the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers.