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yesterday

FBI Director Says National Guard Needed for Memphis Crime Operation

Kash Patel told lawmakers the Guard is required to establish safe perimeters so agents can proceed following hundreds of arrests and more than 100 indictments.

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Overview

  • Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, FBI Director Kash Patel said agents need National Guard support to secure perimeters for the next phase of operations in Memphis.
  • Patel reported roughly 500 arrests and 110 federal indictments to date, calling additional manpower essential to reach remaining hotspots.
  • He said the Guard will not command federal agents, who remain under FBI control, and he indicated more federal personnel and Guard units are expected in the city this week.
  • The White House highlighted local support for the federal‑state effort, and Gov. Bill Lee said Tennessee requested the help and is sending over 100 state troopers to Shelby County.
  • Some local officials objected to the deployment, with Rep. Steve Cohen questioning the Guard’s role and Mayor Paul Young saying he was not consulted, as the administration pursues a model used in Washington, D.C., and faces litigation over past deployments in California.