Memphis, October 19, 2025
News Summary
In a recent press conference, Memphis Mayor Paul Young confirmed the city’s purchase of a 600-room hotel for $22 million. This acquisition is intended to protect the city’s $200 million investment in the Renasant Convention Center. The mayor addressed the city’s crime issues and confirmed the National Guard’s deployment to assist in public safety efforts, a move that has sparked debate. While crime rates have improved, concerns about persistent gun violence remain prevalent in the community.
Memphis โ Memphis Mayor Paul Young confirmed at a press conference on October 14 that the city has purchased a 600-room hotel for $22 million. This purchase is strategically aimed at safeguarding the city’s $200 million investment in the Renasant Convention Center. Young shared these developments during a program titled โBehind The Headlines.โ
In light of increasing challenges facing the city, Mayor Young acknowledged that Memphis appears on too many “bad lists” regarding crime and public safety. He also introduced the idea of guiding the National Guard’s engagement in Memphis, following their planned deployment as part of a national anti-crime effort. This deployment was announced by President Trump, marking Young’s first confirmation of the initiative.
Mayor Young indicated that he became aware of the National Guard’s potential involvement through the office of Governor Bill Lee earlier that week. While acknowledging the city’s struggle with crime, Young disputed the notion presented by Trump that he welcomed the National Guard’s presence. He clarified that this deployment was not requested by the city and expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in reducing crime rates.
The mayor aims to leverage the National Guard’s presence for support at events, assistance with traffic management, and monitoring criminal activities through surveillance cameras. Despite facing challenges, crime rates in Memphis have improved significantly, indicated by overall crime levels being at a 25-year low and murders dropping to a six-year low. Nevertheless, the city contends with persistent gun violence, culminating in a record 390 homicides in 2023.
The recent focus on crime in Memphis has also been intensified by the ongoing fallout from the death of Tyre Nichols, which has triggered federal investigations into police conduct and highlighted issues of civil rights violations within the Memphis police department.
Details regarding the deployment of the National Guard remain under discussion as local and federal officials determine the specifics of troop numbers and their roles. Young expressed concern about how the community perceives a military presence, recalling the historical implications following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968.
The discussions surrounding the National Guard’s deployment, as well as the strategies that will be employed, are set to continue between local authorities and federal officials in the coming weeks.
FAQ
What hotel did Memphis purchase?
Memphis has purchased a 600-room hotel for $22 million.
How much did the city invest in the Renasant Convention Center?
The cityโs investment in the Renasant Convention Center is $200 million.
What is the purpose of the National Guard’s deployment in Memphis?
The National Guard is intended to support events, assist with traffic, and monitor criminal activity through cameras.
What are the current crime statistics in Memphis?
Memphis has seen overall crime levels drop to a 25-year low, with murders decreasing to a six-year low, though gun violence persists.
What incident heightened scrutiny of the Memphis police department?
The death of Tyre Nichols has led to federal investigations into police conduct and civil rights violations within the department.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel Purchase | 600-room hotel purchased for $22 million |
| Investment | City’s investment in Renasant Convention Center: $200 million |
| National Guard Deployment | Support for events, traffic assistance, and crime monitoring |
| Crime Statistics | Overall crime at a 25-year low; 390 homicides in 2023 |
| Ongoing Issues | Gun violence and federal investigations into police conduct |
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Memphis Mayor Paul Young on Hotel Purchase
- The New York Times: Trump and National Guard in Memphis
- CNN: Memphis Mayor Discusses National Guard
- Local Memphis: Mayor Young on National Guard Deployment
- Wikipedia: Memphis
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.
