Memphis, Tennessee, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is conducting an inquiry into an armed incident involving Shelby County General Sessions Clerk Tami Sawyer and her security guard. The incident occurred on October 7 at the Shelby County Courthouse, leading to public calls for Sawyer’s resignation after body camera footage was released. Sheriff Bonner confirmed the deputies’ conduct aligned with SCSO policies, prompting the District Attorney General to step back and allow the TBI to manage the investigation independently.
Memphis, Tennessee
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has taken over an inquiry into an armed incident involving Shelby County General Sessions Clerk Tami Sawyer and her personal security guard. The incident transpired on October 7 within the Shelby County Courthouse.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. provided details stating that the Shelby County Sheriffโs Office (SCSO) had consulted with the District Attorney Generalโs Office regarding the situation. Following this consultation, the District Attorney General opted to assign the investigation to the TBI.
After conducting an internal review, Sheriff Bonner concluded that the conduct of the deputies involved was professional and aligned with SCSO policies and training.
Footage from body cameras capturing the interaction between Clerk Sawyer and the deputies has been made public by Senator Brent Taylor, among others. This release has garnered attention, as the Republican Party of Shelby County is demanding Sawyerโs resignation or the initiation of a recall process, claiming her behavior towards the deputies was inappropriate for someone in a public office.
In a response posted on Facebook, Clerk Sawyer defended her actions, stating she adhered to county rules and had communicated her need for security to the appropriate officials. New video evidence obtained by WREG sheds more light on the events leading up to the confrontation between Sawyer and the deputies.
The TBIโs involvement means that the investigation will be conducted independently, ensuring a thorough and impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Summary of Events
- Incident date: October 7, Shelby County Courthouse.
- Initial investigation by SCSO deemed deputiesโ actions consistent with training.
- District Attorney General handed over the investigation to TBI for an independent inquiry.
- Body camera footage released; calls for Clerk Sawyer to resign from Shelby County Republicans.
- Clerk Sawyer defends her actions publicly.
Background Context
With ongoing scrutiny on public officials and their accountability, the TBIโs investigation into this incident represents an important step in ensuring transparency in government operations. The actions leading up to this incident highlight the complexities of security protocols in public offices.
FAQ Section
What incident is the TBI investigating?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating an armed incident involving Shelby County General Sessions Clerk Tami Sawyer and her armed personal security guard that occurred on October 7.
Why did the TBI take over the investigation?
The District Attorney General decided to turn the investigation over to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) following consultations with the Shelby County Sheriffโs Office (SCSO).
What was the conclusion of the internal review by Sheriff Bonner?
An internal review by Sheriff Bonner determined that the conduct of the involved deputies was professional and consistent with training and SCSO policies.
What has the Republican Party of Shelby County stated regarding Clerk Sawyer?
The Republican Party of Shelby County is calling for Clerk Sawyer to resign or face recall, citing her behavior towards deputies as inappropriate for a public office.
How has Clerk Sawyer defended her actions?
Clerk Sawyer defended her actions in a Facebook post, stating she had followed county rules and informed officials about her need for security.
Key Features of the Incident
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 7 |
| Location | Shelby County Courthouse |
| Parties Involved | General Sessions Clerk Tami Sawyer and Shelby County deputies |
| Investigative Body | Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) |
| Initial Findings | Professional conduct by deputies according to internal review |
| Public Response | Calls for resignation by the Republican Party of Shelby County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ilhan Omar Responds to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Caregiver Arrested for Financial Exploitation in Memphis
Phil Mickelson Criticizes Ilhan Omar’s Remarks
Memphis Nonprofit Launches $50,000 Bail Fund Following Inmate’s Death
Memphis Man Arrested in $60,000 Cyber Theft Investigation
Memphis Officer Involved in Fatal Gas Station Shooting
Three Men Detained After Shooting in Southwest Memphis
Tennessee Supreme Court Denies Appeal in Memphis Rape Kit Case
Memphis Gynecologist Indicted on Multiple Charges
Urgent AMBER Alert Issued for Missing Girl in Memphis
Additional Resources
- WREG: Sheriff Issues Statement on Clerk Armed Guard Incident
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Fox 13: Hours-long Standoff in Crockett County Ends Safely
- Google Search: Public safety in Tennessee
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Crime Rate Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- TalknWestTN: Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigation
- Google News: Tami Sawyer Incident
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.
