Tennessee Guard report says Tyrin Johnson pointed a gun before troops shot him; the autopsy found the bullet entered his back
Tennessee National Guard members on Memphis task force patrol shot and killed Tyrin Johnson, 20, in July. A Guard report says he pointed a gun at them; the autopsy found the bullet entered his back. No charges have been filed.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Two Tennessee National Guard members on Memphis Safe Task Force patrol shot and killed Tyrin Johnson, 20, on July 5, 2026, after he ran from police with a handgun. A Guard report says he pointed a gun at them, while the autopsy found a single bullet entered his back. Videos released by the district attorney in November do not show the shooting, and the TBI investigation continues.
Read the full background
President Trump created the Memphis Safe Task Force in 2025, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee deployed National Guard troops to support it. The AP reports that the task force was involved in four fatal shootings between May and July 2026.
At about 4 a.m. on July 5, 2026, Memphis police officers in the downtown entertainment area heard gunshots and chased a man carrying a handgun, later identified as Tyrin Johnson, 20. National Guard members joined the pursuit. After Johnson turned onto Union Avenue, two Guard members fired at him, according to the Shelby County District Attorney's Office, and he died at the scene. Memphis police said at the time that Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon. A Guard report obtained by the AP says he "rounded on them and pointed a tan handgun at them."
On August 27, an autopsy report shared by Johnson's family showed that a single bullet entered the right side of his back and exited through his upper right chest. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. The report's investigative narrative, based on a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent's account, says Johnson drew a firearm and was struck in the chest.
On November 2, District Attorney Steve Mulroy released four videos from street cameras, a police body camera and a bystander's phone. The AP reports that street-camera footage shows a person in dark clothing firing shots across a parking lot toward three people on a sidewalk. Johnson's relatives told WMC Action News 5 that he fired warning shots. The footage does not show the Guard members' encounter with Johnson or the shooting itself.
The TBI's investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed. Mulroy says the video release is not a decision on charges. A lawyer for the two Guard members said they had no comment.
People in this case
Andre WhartonCommented
Raumesh AkbariCommented
London LamarCommented
Timeline
4 timeline entries on this page. Dates: July 5, 2026 to November 2, 2026
July 2026
Two Tennessee National Guard members shoot and kill Tyrin Johnson in downtown Memphis
Incident
Memphis police officers chase Johnson, who is carrying a handgun, after hearing gunshots. Guard members who joined the pursuit fire at him on Union Avenue, and he dies at the scene. Police say he turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.
[01]DA's Office Releases Video in Officer-Involved Shooting Death of Tyrin Johnson
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office says it is releasing video of the July 5, 2026 shooting in which National Guard members fired at Tyrin Johnson, that the TBI investigation is nearing completion, and that the release is not a decision on criminal charges. It summarizes the investigative reports and says the medical examiner found the gunshot wound entered Johnson's back and exited through his chest.
[02]WMC Action News 5
WMC Action News 5 publishes a joint statement from state Sens. Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar calling for an independent TBI investigation and the release of body camera and surveillance video, and reports the Memphis Police Department's account of the shooting.
Memphis leaders call for answers after fatal National Guard shooting · WMC Action News 5Full articleSens. Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar call for an independent investigation and the release of video
Reaction
In a joint statement, the two Memphis senators ask the TBI for a thorough, independent investigation and the release of body camera and surveillance video once that would not harm the investigation.
[02]WMC Action News 5
WMC Action News 5 publishes a joint statement from state Sens. Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar calling for an independent TBI investigation and the release of body camera and surveillance video, and reports the Memphis Police Department's account of the shooting.
Memphis leaders call for answers after fatal National Guard shooting · WMC Action News 5Full article
August 2026
Autopsy report shows Johnson was shot in the back
Source release
An autopsy report shared by Johnson's family shows a single bullet entered the right side of his back and exited through his chest. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
[03]Associated Press
The AP reports the autopsy findings shared by Johnson's family, the Guard report's account that Johnson pointed a handgun at the troops, a forensic pathologist's reading of the wound's path, and comments from Johnson's grandfather and the family's lawyer.
Autopsy shows Tennessee National Guard fatally shot 20-year-old armed man in the back · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by WCPO[04]WMC Action News 5
WMC Action News 5 reports the medical examiner's findings, the earlier police account of the shooting, comments from the family's lawyer, and statements from state Sens. London Lamar and Raumesh Akbari.
Family lawyer speaks after autopsy report shows National Guard shot Memphis man in the back · WMC Action News 5Full article
November 2026
District attorney releases four videos of the shooting's aftermath
Source release
Steve Mulroy releases street-camera, body-camera and bystander video as the TBI investigation continues. The footage does not show the shooting itself, and Mulroy says no decision on charges has been made.
[01]DA's Office Releases Video in Officer-Involved Shooting Death of Tyrin Johnson
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office says it is releasing video of the July 5, 2026 shooting in which National Guard members fired at Tyrin Johnson, that the TBI investigation is nearing completion, and that the release is not a decision on criminal charges. It summarizes the investigative reports and says the medical examiner found the gunshot wound entered Johnson's back and exited through his chest.
[05]Associated Press
The AP describes the four videos released by Shelby County prosecutors, quotes a Tennessee National Guard report saying Johnson pointed a handgun at the Guard members, reports that the footage does not show the shooting itself, and quotes the lawyers for Johnson's family and for the two Guard members.
Bodycam video shows aftermath of fatal shooting by National Guard in Memphis · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by News4JAX[06]WMC Action News 5
WMC Action News 5 describes the four videos, identifies the two Guard members who fired, and reports comments from a former sheriff's captain, the family's lawyer and District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
DA releases 4 videos of National Guard shooting that killed Tyrin Johnson in downtown Memphis · WMC Action News 5Full article
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Tennessee National Guard
Tyrin Johnson turned on the two Tennessee National Guard members who were chasing him and pointed a handgun at them before they fired.
What is disputed
The medical examiner's autopsy found a single gunshot wound that entered the right side of Johnson's back and exited through his upper right chest. Johnson's family and its lawyer say law enforcement's account does not match those findings. The videos released by the district attorney do not show the shooting itself.
Sources (2)
- Autopsy shows Tennessee National Guard fatally shot 20-year-old armed man in the back · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by WCPO
- Bodycam video shows aftermath of fatal shooting by National Guard in Memphis · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by News4JAX
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
4 responses. Newest first.
Andre WhartonAttorney for Tyrin Johnson's family, speaking to WMC Action News 5Before this statement
WMC Action News 5 reports that Wharton echoed a former sheriff's captain's view that Guard members lack the training needed to patrol city streets. Wharton asks whether the Guard members were facing imminent danger, serious bodily injury or death before Johnson was shot.
"What is absent is that he was running away, and that is critical to this investigation"
Challenged the characterizationResponding to: Tyrin Johnson turned on the two Tennessee National Guard members who were chasing him and pointed a handgun at them before they fired.
Full statement and sources
After the district attorney released videos of the shooting's aftermath, Wharton asks whether the Guard members faced imminent danger of death or serious injury when they fired, and says Johnson was running away, which he calls critical to the investigation.
After the statement
WMC Action News 5 reports that there is no word on whether the two Guard members have been suspended, and that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is still investigating with no charges filed.
DA releases 4 videos of National Guard shooting that killed Tyrin Johnson in downtown Memphis · WMC Action News 5Full articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the July 5, 2026 fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by two Tennessee National Guard members and the official account that he pointed a gun at them. Wharton questions whether the Guard members faced an imminent threat and says Johnson was running away, a challenge to the account that he turned on them with a gun.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Andre WhartonAttorney for Tyrin Johnson's family, speaking to the AP
Before this statement
The AP reports that an autopsy report shared by Johnson's family found that a single bullet went in the right side of his back and exited through his upper right chest, while a Tennessee National Guard report says Johnson "rounded on them and pointed a tan handgun at them."
"I just see some kind of blatant inconsistency there, in terms of what law enforcement reports"
Challenged the characterizationResponding to: Tyrin Johnson turned on the two Tennessee National Guard members who were chasing him and pointed a handgun at them before they fired.
Full statement and sources
Wharton tells the AP that the account given by law enforcement, that Johnson turned toward the Guard members with a gun, does not match an autopsy that found a single bullet wound in his back.
After the statement
The AP reports that Wharton also said it was not illegal in Tennessee for Johnson to carry the handgun magazine found with him.
Autopsy shows Tennessee National Guard fatally shot 20-year-old armed man in the back · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by WCPOWhy this label?
The reference point is the July 5, 2026 fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by two Tennessee National Guard members and the official account that he pointed a gun at them. Wharton disputes the official account by pointing to the autopsy finding that Johnson was shot in the back, a challenge to how authorities described the shooting.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Raumesh AkbariTennessee Senate minority leader, Democrat of Memphis, in a statement to WMC Action News 5Before this statement
WMC Action News 5 reports that the medical examiner found Johnson was shot in the back, while investigators had said he turned to face Memphis police officers and Guard members when he was shot.
"This autopsy tells a different story than what the public was told and that demands an explanation."
Challenged the characterizationResponding to: Tyrin Johnson turned on the two Tennessee National Guard members who were chasing him and pointed a handgun at them before they fired.
Full statement and sources
In a statement to WMC Action News 5 after the autopsy findings, Akbari says the report contradicts what the public was told about the shooting, asks how a man is shot in the back while turning toward the people who shot him, and says the task force's leaders must assess whether the deployment is working.
After the statement
Akbari says she is not rushing to conclusions, notes that one of the Guard members who fired was 19 years old, and says the leaders overseeing the task force must honestly assess whether the deployment is achieving its mission.
Family lawyer speaks after autopsy report shows National Guard shot Memphis man in the back · WMC Action News 5Full articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the July 5, 2026 fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by two Tennessee National Guard members and the official account that he pointed a gun at them. Akbari says the autopsy contradicts the account the public was given and demands an explanation, a challenge to the official description of the shooting.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
London LamarTennessee state senator, Democrat of Memphis, in a statement to WMC Action News 5Before this statement
WMC Action News 5 reports that the medical examiner ruled Johnson's death a homicide and found he was shot in the back, and that Lamar and Sen. Raumesh Akbari had called for transparency at the start of the investigation.
"This is disheartening to hear considering their purpose in being in Memphis is to reduce homicide and now National Guardsmen have contributed to the homicide rate. I hope those responsible are held accountable according to the law."
CondemnedResponding to: Tyrin Johnson turned on the two Tennessee National Guard members who were chasing him and pointed a handgun at them before they fired.
Full statement and sources
In a statement to WMC Action News 5 after the autopsy findings, Lamar says the Guard was sent to Memphis to reduce homicides and has instead contributed to the homicide rate, and that she hopes those responsible are held accountable under the law.
After the statement
Lamar's statement closes by offering condolences to Johnson's family.
Family lawyer speaks after autopsy report shows National Guard shot Memphis man in the back · WMC Action News 5Full articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the July 5, 2026 fatal shooting of Tyrin Johnson by two Tennessee National Guard members and the official account that he pointed a gun at them. Lamar says the Guard members contributed to the city's homicide rate and calls for those responsible to be held accountable, which condemns the shooting.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(6)
Official statement
DA's Office Releases Video in Officer-Involved Shooting Death of Tyrin Johnson
Relevant passage: Full news release
About this source
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office says it is releasing video of the July 5, 2026 shooting in which National Guard members fired at Tyrin Johnson, that the TBI investigation is nearing completion, and that the release is not a decision on criminal charges. It summarizes the investigative reports and says the medical examiner found the gunshot wound entered Johnson's back and exited through his chest.
- Author
- Shelby County District Attorney's Office
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Memphis leaders call for answers after fatal National Guard shooting
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
WMC Action News 5 publishes a joint statement from state Sens. Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar calling for an independent TBI investigation and the release of body camera and surveillance video, and reports the Memphis Police Department's account of the shooting.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DA releases 4 videos of National Guard shooting that killed Tyrin Johnson in downtown Memphis
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
WMC Action News 5 describes the four videos, identifies the two Guard members who fired, and reports comments from a former sheriff's captain, the family's lawyer and District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
- Author
- Joyce Peterson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Family lawyer speaks after autopsy report shows National Guard shot Memphis man in the back
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
WMC Action News 5 reports the medical examiner's findings, the earlier police account of the shooting, comments from the family's lawyer, and statements from state Sens. London Lamar and Raumesh Akbari.
- Author
- Joyce Peterson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Autopsy shows Tennessee National Guard fatally shot 20-year-old armed man in the back
Relevant passage: Full article, AP copy published by WCPO
About this source
The AP reports the autopsy findings shared by Johnson's family, the Guard report's account that Johnson pointed a handgun at the troops, a forensic pathologist's reading of the wound's path, and comments from Johnson's grandfather and the family's lawyer.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Bodycam video shows aftermath of fatal shooting by National Guard in Memphis
Relevant passage: Full article, AP copy published by News4JAX
About this source
The AP describes the four videos released by Shelby County prosecutors, quotes a Tennessee National Guard report saying Johnson pointed a handgun at the Guard members, reports that the footage does not show the shooting itself, and quotes the lawyers for Johnson's family and for the two Guard members.
- Author
- Kristin M. Hall and Hannah Schoenbaum
- Published
- Accessed
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- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Tennessee Guard report says Tyrin Johnson pointed a gun before troops shot him; the autopsy found the bullet entered his back
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/tennessee-national-guard-shooting-tyrin-johnson-memphis
The Dispute Index. "Tennessee Guard report says Tyrin Johnson pointed a gun before troops shot him; the autopsy found the bullet entered his back". First published: 2026-11-08. Last updated: 2026-11-08. https://disputeindex.com/cases/tennessee-national-guard-shooting-tyrin-johnson-memphis