Raw Truth about Role of National Guard in DC Surge Operation Coming to Memphis

Memphis — we need to talk about the federal surge. There’s a lot of fear-mongering out there right now about the National Guard coming to our city.

But here’s the truth: what happened in D.C. was a success story — and Memphis can have the same.

In Washington, D.C., violent crime dropped nearly 40% during the surge.

Homicides? Cut in half.

Carjackings? Down more than two-thirds.

In just one month, over 2,100 criminals were arrested — including gang members and repeat offenders.

222 illegal guns taken off the street.

And calls for service to 911? Dropped by 30%.

That gave local police breathing room to actually protect their neighborhoods instead of just chasing chaos.

Even D.C.’s mayor — who started out opposing it — admitted the surge worked. Her words: “fewer gun crimes, fewer homicides, an extreme reduction in carjackings.”

That’s not politics. That’s facts.

Now — let’s clear up the National Guard myths.

In D.C., not one soldier made an arrest. Not one.

Their role was support: traffic control, securing perimeters, picking up trash, even clearing brush.

They were barely visible in the neighborhoods.

Here in Memphis, they’ll have even less authority.

No patrols. No door-to-door.

They’re here to support law enforcement, not replace it.

Federal agents — FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals — will be the ones making arrests, side by side with MPD.

Memphis Police Department is 1,000 officers short.

We need about 2,500 cops — we’ve got less than 2,000.

That means slower response times, fewer patrols, and criminals running wild.

Imagine what a 30% reduction in calls — like D.C. saw — would do here.

It would give our officers a chance to breathe. To actually protect. To go on offense instead of being buried in defense.

And let’s be honest: the only people who should fear this surge are the violent criminals who’ve been terrorizing our city.

So when you hear politicians screaming about “military occupation” or “authoritarian takeovers” — know this: they’re playing politics with your safety.

We saw the same scare tactics in D.C.

And yet when the dust settled, the city was safer, families were safer, and even the critics had to admit it worked.

This isn’t about right or left.

This is about Memphis kids being able to play outside without fear.

This is about moms not having to bury their sons.

This is about saving lives.

The surge worked in D.C. — and it will work here.

Memphis, let’s welcome the help.

Because our city has everything to gain — and the only thing we stand to lose… are the criminals.