Where is the National Guard? Questions arise as Memphis presence dwindles

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Where is the National Guard?

Governor Bill Lee’s office said National Guard patrols in Memphis resumed after a brief pause for an “administrative day” nearly two weeks ago, but locals remain uncertain.

A shooting on Labor Day in Court Square unfolded without National Guard members present, a contrast to previous scenes in Memphis where the Guard has been seen, including for patrols on Beale Street.

One person was injured in Monday’s shooting, and one man was detained, according to the Memphis Police Department.

On Aug. 28, an “administrative day” paused National Guard patrols, according to Memphis Safe Task Force leaders. When asked that same day if the National Guard was still working alongside local agencies, Gov. Bill Lee’s office said the Guard “continues to support the Memphis Safe Task Force,” but Memphians say they are unsure.

“A couple of months ago, Beale Street was swarmed with National Guard,” said Kennan Woods, a downtown performer.

Woods regularly performs downtown and said the Guard’s presence has dwindled.

“I haven’t seen them at all, and I come down here pretty often. I’m going to say maybe three or four days a week, I’m down here singing and stuff,” Woods said.

Action News 5 reached out to the White House, the Memphis Safe Task Force, the Governor’s Office and the Tennessee National Guard, asking whether the Guard has resumed patrols. None responded.

Lodging contracts for the Guard end on October 13, and there are no signs of renewal.

Officials also failed to respond to questions about whether those hotel contracts will be renewed.

It was brought to Action News 5’s attention that the fiscal year for the federal government ends on September 30, so contracts may be halted until then.

At a recent city council meeting, Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis discussed life after the task force but gave no clear timeline for when that transition would happen.

“We’ve been talking about this for months, that one day, things will go back to normal,” Davis said.

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