Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The recent announcement of deploying the National Guard in Memphis to tackle crime has generated mixed reactions among local businesses and residents. While some, such as Elwood’s Shack and Mortimer’s restaurant, are showing support by offering discounts to military members, others express skepticism about the effectiveness of such intervention. Community response showcases a divide, with some supporting the efforts and others questioning the reliance on military presence to resolve crime issues. Memphis Mayor Paul Young has voiced doubts about the potential success of this initiative.
Memphis
Local businesses in Memphis are displaying a divide in their support for the recent deployment of the National Guard, announced by President Donald Trump to combat crime in the city. The announcement, made on September 15, 2025, comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding high crime rates that have plagued Memphis.
Tim Bednarski, owner of the popular East Memphis restaurant Elwood’s Shack, has voiced his support for the National Guard intervention due to safety concerns affecting local businesses. Over its 13 years of operation, Elwoodโs Shack has faced incidents of aggression, leading Bednarski to advocate for additional security measures. In a show of support for law enforcement and active military members, Elwood’s Shack plans to offer a 50% discount to these individuals. Similarly, Mortimer’s restaurant has announced its intention to provide free meals and other discounts for the National Guard troops as a patriotic gesture.
The community reaction has been mixed. Bednarski’s expression of support on social media received thousands of responses, highlighting a split in public opinion regarding the presence of military personnel in Memphis. While some residents support the deployment, others are skeptical about its efficacy in addressing crime and have pushed back against the businessesโ positions.
While there is currently no official timeline for the arrival of the National Guard in Memphis, local restaurants are gearing up to welcome the troops. President Trump emphasized that the deployment aims to mitigate significant crime issues in the city. In parallel, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has shown his support for the initiative, expressing frustration over how crime has hindered the cityโs growth.
Despite the support from some quarters, not all officials are convinced that deploying the National Guard will effectively decrease crime. Memphis Mayor Paul Young has conveyed doubts about the intervention’s potential success, clarifying that he did not request military assistance in combating crime. The mayor’s skepticism reflects varying opinions on the issue, as the crime rate in Memphis remains higher than the national average, although there has been a reported decline in major crime categories for the first eight months of 2025.
In 2023, Memphis recorded over 390 homicides, highlighting the city’s persistent safety concerns. Trump’s executive order also called for the creation of a Memphis State Task Force, which will involve the collaboration of several federal agencies, including the FBI and DEA, to enhance crime-fighting efforts in the area.
As the community grapples with the implications of troop deployment, local businesses continue to navigate their roles in supporting law enforcement while responding to mixed public sentiment. The outcome of this intervention remains to be seen, with many residents hopeful for improved safety but wary of military involvement in addressing crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What prompted the National Guard’s deployment to Memphis?
- The deployment was announced by President Trump in response to ongoing crime issues in Memphis and aims to provide additional security in the city.
- What support have local businesses shown for the National Guard?
- Local businesses, such as Elwood’s Shack and Mortimer’s, have expressed support by offering discounts and free meals to law enforcement and National Guard members.
- What has been the community’s reaction to the troop deployment?
- The community’s reaction has been mixed, with some residents supporting the deployment while others express skepticism about its effectiveness in reducing crime.
- What are the crime statistics in Memphis?
- The crime rate in Memphis remains higher than the national average, with a decline reported in major crime categories in early 2025; however, the city experienced over 390 homicides in 2023.
- Has the Mayor of Memphis supported the National Guard deployment?
- Memphis Mayor Paul Young has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the National Guard in reducing crime and did not request their assistance.
Key Features of the Memphis National Guard Deployment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | September 15, 2025 |
| Reason for Deployment | Address ongoing crime issues in Memphis. |
| Community Reaction | Mixed responses; support and skepticism exist simultaneously. |
| Local Business Support | Discounts for law enforcement and active military from Elwood’s Shack and Mortimer’s. |
| Crime Statistics | Higher crime rate than national average; over 390 homicides in 2023. |
| Mayor’s Stance | Expressed doubts about National Guard’s effectiveness. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- AP News: Trump Orders National Guard Deployment in Memphis
- New York Times: Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis to Tackle Crime
- Al Jazeera: National Guard Troops Deployed to Memphis
- The Guardian: Trump’s National Guard Move in Democratic Memphis
- Fox News: Trump Orders National Guard to Fight Crime in Memphis
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Google Search: National Guard Memphis
- Google Scholar: National Guard Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- Google News: Memphis National Guard
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
