Bodycam footage captures Guard holding guns to dying man on Memphis sidewalk
Prosecutors released video showing troops aiming handguns at Tyrin Johnson, who died from a gunshot to the back in July.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
The release of body camera footage offers the first visual account of the moments following a deadly shooting involving federal troops in Memphis last summer. The videos, made public by Shelby County prosecutors on Monday, document the scene after a 20 year old man was shot and killed by Tennessee National Guard members.
The footage shows the immediate aftermath of the July 5 incident, where guard members are seen pointing M17 service handguns at Tyrin Johnson as he lies on his back on a sidewalk. A Memphis police officer is heard on the recording calling for an ambulance and asking the soldiers if they possess a medical kit. At least six guard members are visible at the scene during this exchange.
The video reveals that one soldier moved a handgun lying on the ground before a police officer instructed him to leave it alone. Another guard member begins cutting Johnson’s shirt just before the recording ends. The audio captures shouting, with guards yelling commands such as “Hands!” and “Turn over!” while aiming their weapons at the prone figure. The visual evidence contradicts earlier accounts from police and the Guard regarding Johnson’s position at the time of the shooting.
Investigators determined that Johnson died at the scene from a single gunshot wound. An autopsy report shared by the family indicated the bullet entered his back. This finding conflicts with the official narrative that Johnson was facing the guard members with a gun when they fired. The released footage does not capture the initial encounter between Johnson and the troops, nor does it show the moment the fatal shot was fired.
The guard members were part of a federal task force established by President Donald Trump, who deployed troops to Democrat run cities to address crime. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee authorized the Guard’s participation in this effort. Between May and July, the task force was involved in four fatal shootings in the area. Authorities stated the troops were responding to reports of gunshots around 4 a.m. when they began pursuing an armed man fleeing on foot.
Street camera footage released alongside the body cam video shows a person in dark clothing firing shots through an empty parking lot at three pedestrians. Two Memphis police officers heard the gunshots and began running toward the direction of the sound. Their body cameras recorded them radioing that they were pursuing a man who was running and armed. The video is blurry due to the officer’s movement but captures yelling and the sound of a single gunshot followed by several others.
District Attorney Steve Mulroy said he has not yet decided whether to file charges in connection with Johnson’s death. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continues to probe the incident. A spokesperson for the Tennessee National Guard did not respond to requests for comment, and Ed Yarbrough, the attorney for the two guard members, said the soldiers have no comment at this time.
André C. Wharton, the attorney for Johnson’s family, stated that the investigation must focus on whether the action of firing the fatal shot was reasonable. He noted that the videos do not show the moments immediately preceding the shooting. Evaniel Johnson, the victim’s grandfather, said his grandson was the father of a young child and was preparing to help lead the family construction business.
