Tennessee leaders highlight early crime declines at Memphis Safe Task Force briefing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi held a press conference in Memphis on Monday alongside federal and Tennessee officials, saying violent crime in the city has fallen sharply during the first two months of the Memphis Safe Task Force.

Bondi cited a 56-day comparison showing major year-over-year drops since the operation began in September. According to figures she shared, murders were down 48 percent compared with the same period last year, sexual assaults were down 49 percent, robberies had fallen 61 percent and overall serious crime had decreased 45 percent.

To date, the task force has made more than 3,000 arrests, including more than 300 people identified as gang members, recovered more than 500 firearms and located 121 missing children.

“We are reversing the trend,” Bondi said.

Bondi appeared with U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, Gov. Bill Lee and U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta. The officials pointed to the early numbers to show how coordinated enforcement among federal, state and local agencies is beginning to shift public-safety conditions in Memphis.

Blackburn said the cooperation behind the task force demonstrates how cities can confront violent crime with a unified approach. She said the task force is showing “how Memphis can be the model for the rest of the country on how you come together as a team.”

Hagerty said the effort offers a chance to reshape long-standing concerns about crime in Memphis. “We have a very unique opportunity here in Memphis today — a very unique opportunity in Tennessee,” he said, adding that maintaining early progress will require continued coordination and resources.

Gov. Bill Lee said the early results reflect what is possible when federal, state and local agencies work together toward a shared goal. “This is an example of what can happen when people set aside their differences and focus on the people of Memphis, Tennessee,” Lee said. He thanked officers, soldiers and local leaders and said he has “a deep debt of gratitude” for those participating in the operation.

Serralta said deputies and officers have heard directly from residents who feel safer. “Law and order is being restored in Memphis,” he said, pointing to arrests of violent fugitives, recovered firearms and the return of missing children as significant accomplishments.

National Guard deployment remains under appeal

The task force’s progress comes while the state continues defending its use of the Tennessee National Guard in Memphis. A group of Democratic officials filed suit in October, arguing the deployment violates Article I, Section 24 of the Tennessee Constitution, which restricts military involvement in civilian policing.

A Davidson County judge issued a temporary restraining order on Nov. 17, but the order was automatically stayed when the state appealed. National Guard personnel remain in Memphis while the Tennessee Court of Appeals reviews the case.

Gov. Lee and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti say the deployment is lawful and necessary to support local operations. Plaintiffs argue it exceeds constitutional limits and contributes to strain on local courts and detention facilities.