The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has demanded the suspension of the Memphis Safe Task Force, an anti-crime alliance created by Donald Trump, following the deaths of two Black men in Tennessee. In a letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Friday, the advocacy group also called for a thorough, transparent federal investigation into the task force's actions, alleging that federal and military officers have been surged into Memphis without sufficient training for civilian policing.
Deaths of Tyrin Johnson and Darius Chappell
The NAACP's action comes after the shooting death of Tyrin Johnson, a 20-year-old new father, by two Tennessee National Guard troops on Sunday, and the discovery of the body of Darius Chappell, a 34-year-old father of three, in a cell at the Montgomery County jail two days earlier. Chappell was taken into custody on June 29 after a use-of-force incident in Clarksville, with video showing a police dog appearing to bite him while he was held on the ground by officers.
Limited Details and Investigations
Authorities have revealed few details about either incident. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) stated that Johnson had a handgun and fired shots. The Clarksville Police Department has launched an investigation into the deployment of a dog during Chappell's arrest and placed an officer on administrative leave. The task force, established by Trump's executive order last year to reduce crime in Democratic-run cities, has been linked to at least four deaths this year.
NAACP's Demands and Criticism
In its letter, the NAACP noted that while the TBI is investigating Johnson's death, it is not enough given conflicting reports from various agencies. The group emphasized the federal government's unique expertise in investigating law enforcement misconduct and the challenges posed by federal involvement. Regarding Chappell, the letter pointed out that no officers have been charged and an official cause of death has not been issued, calling for transparency about the force used and medical care provided.
The letter directly addressed Blanche, stating: "You swore an oath to support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the US. Despite this, during your tenure, we have seen the justice department fully retreat from investigating these matters. The department has abdicated its responsibility to prosecute officials who violate people's civil and constitutional rights."
Statement from NAACP Leadership
Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said in a statement: "The Department of Justice cannot continue to stand by while Black lives are taken. The DoJ has a fundamental responsibility to support, protect, and defend the US Constitution, and that Constitution includes the rights, the safety, and the futures of Black Americans. When officers fail to deliver equal protection under the law, the federal government must step in with its investigative authority. We will not allow the names of Darius Chappell and Tyrin Johnson to be overlooked."
Community Survey Results
The NAACP conducted a survey of Memphis residents, finding that 63% of respondents strongly disapproved of the deployment of the National Guard, and 54% believed it significantly undermined the safety and trust of residents.
