Congressman Cohen Welcomes State Court Ruling on Deployment of Tennessee National Guard

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) welcomed Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Moskal’s ruling blocking the deployment of Tennessee National Guard troops in Memphis and made the following statement:

“I have said repeatedly that I believe the coordinated surge in federal and state law enforcement to address crime in Memphis is useful and having a positive impact, but there is no need for National Guard troops. Deploying the military to the streets of our city is unnecessary, counterproductive, and expensive.  National Guard troops are not trained in public safety, and it’s illegal to use them for routine domestic law enforcement. This a part-time job and they’re being taken away from their families.

“I appreciate Chancellor Moskal’s well-reasoned decision. I look forward to the ruling being upheld on appeal and to returning to the proven, civilian-led public safety strategies that actually help reduce crime and strengthen trust in our communities.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and others sued Governor Bill Lee and National Guard Major General Warner Ross III on October 17 seeking an injunction to remove the National Guard. The state now has five business days to appeal.

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