Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment To Memphis

Gov. Bill Lee supported using the troops to assist local law enforcement.

A Tennessee judge blocked the deployment of National Guard troops into Memphis.

President Trump announced plans to send the soldiers into Memphis in September in response to what he claimed were the surging crime rates.

Gov. Bill Lee supported using the troops to assist local law enforcement. However, a group of elected officials sued over the deployment, arguing that the governor only has the power to deploy the guard in response to civil unrest, such as a rebellion or invasion.

The judge issued a temporary injunction to prohibit the deployment concluding that Lee exceeded his authority. But, the ruling is on hold for five days to allow an appeal.