WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZTV) — Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as part of a plan to address crime in Memphis.
During the meeting, Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing the Memphis Safe Task Force and received a request to activate the Tennessee National Guard under Title 32 orders.
The task force is designed to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement, including the Tennessee National Guard, FBI, DEA, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Memphis Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Service will lead on-the-ground operations, sharing intelligence and developing joint priorities to enhance public safety.
The effort builds on Operation Viper, an ongoing FBI initiative that has arrested hundreds of violent offenders. To support the task force, Gov. Lee has authorized more than 100 Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers to join local law enforcement in Shelby County.
“Memphis is a remarkable community with great cultural significance that includes top global business and strong faith leaders, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to move this city forward,” said Gov. Lee. “We’ve made significant investments to address crime throughout my seven years in office, and thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Memphis Safe Task Force will ensure we have every resource at our disposal to create significant change.”
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