Tuesday 15 September 2026
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Autopsy shows Tennessee National Guard fatally shot man in back, contradicting police account

Tyrin Johnson, 20, was killed in Memphis after the Fourth of July; officials had said he was facing troops when fired upon

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By LineZotpaper
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An autopsy report obtained by the Associated Press reveals that Tyrin Johnson, a 20-year-old man shot and killed by Tennessee National Guard members in Memphis, was struck in the back — contradicting earlier police accounts that said he was facing the troops when he was fatally wounded.

According to the autopsy report, Johnson was shot in the back. Authorities had previously stated that Johnson turned toward the guard members with a gun while running from them in the early morning hours after the Fourth of July holiday, and that he was fatally shot in the chest.

The Tennessee National Guard members were assigned to a federal anti-crime taskforce in Memphis at the time of the incident. The discrepancy between the autopsy findings and the initial police description raises questions about the circumstances of the shooting.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The autopsy contradicts official accounts, potentially undermining public trust in law enforcement and military units operating in domestic policing roles.
  • The case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force by National Guard troops in civilian law enforcement operations.
  • It may fuel calls for independent investigations and stricter oversight of taskforce deployments.

Background

Tyrin Johnson was shot and killed by Tennessee National Guard members assigned to a federal anti-crime taskforce in Memphis. The shooting occurred shortly after the Fourth of July holiday. Initial police statements said Johnson was facing the troops when he was shot in the chest. The autopsy report, obtained by the Associated Press, shows a gunshot wound to the back. No further details about the circumstances or the specific taskforce have been released.

Key Perspectives

Law enforcement officials: Initially characterized the shooting as justified, claiming Johnson turned toward guard members with a weapon. Johnson's family and advocates: Likely to view the autopsy as evidence of excessive force and demand accountability. Critics of military involvement in policing: Point to this case as an example of the risks of deploying National Guard in domestic law enforcement roles without clear rules of engagement.

What to Watch

  • Any official response from the Tennessee National Guard or Memphis Police Department addressing the autopsy findings.
  • Whether a formal investigation is launched by state or federal authorities.
  • Potential civil rights lawsuits or calls for legislative changes regarding the use of military personnel in anti-crime taskforces.

Sources

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Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

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