Two Tennessee National Guard members fatally shot a 20-year-old man in Memphis on Sunday after he turned toward them with a gun during a foot pursuit, authorities said. The incident occurred as the soldiers responded with local police to reports of gunshots around 4 a.m. in the downtown area.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation identified the man as Tyrin Johnson. Officials said the guardsmen opened fire after Johnson turned toward them with his weapon. Johnson died at the scene despite first aid attempts by two National Guard medical specialists.
TBI investigators are reviewing the shooting, in which two guard members fired their weapons. Johnson's family said he was shot twice in the chest. The Memphis Police Department has not commented on the existence or release of any footage.
Evaniel Johnson, the victim's grandfather, said his grandson had taken classes at Tennessee State University, was the father of a young child and was preparing to help lead the family business. He added that Johnson carried a gun for protection after being attacked recently and disputed that deadly force was necessary.
The guardsmen are part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, a federal effort that began last year under President Trump. Federal troops have patrolled the city since October amid ongoing high violent crime rates.