TN Gov. says he’s working with Trump administration on Memphis crime strategy, sending more state troopers to city

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Wednesday he is in “constant communication” with the Trump administration to develop a strategy to combat crime in Memphis.

Lee announced in a statement he is sending 50 more Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers to support the Memphis Police Department. He also said a task force that includes the FBI is targeting the worst offenders.

The governor did not state whether the National Guard would be sent to Memphis, after rumors of a deployment circulated on Wednesday. He reiterated, however, that “nothing is off the table.”

“For months, I have been in constant communication with the Trump Administration to develop a strategic plan to combat crime in Memphis, leveraging the full extent of both federal and state resources,” said Gov. Lee. “While the FBI and THP operations continue, we are actively discussing the next phase of our strategy to accelerate the positive momentum that’s already underway, and nothing is off the table.”

The governor said it is a multi-phased approach that includes Operation Viper — an ongoing FBI mission with a dedicated task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement that has already made hundreds of arrests targeting the most violent offenders.

“Every Memphian deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, and I am grateful to President Trump and his team for their unwavering support and thank all federal and local officials for their continued partnership,” said Gov. Lee.