A Davidson County chancellor has denied a temporary restraining order sought by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris to block the deployment of Tennessee National Guard troops to Memphis. The decision, issued by Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal, cited insufficient evidence that an “immediate and irreparable injury” would occur before a full hearing. A temporary injunction hearing is set for November 3.
The lawsuit, filed on October 17 in Davidson County Chancery Court, alleges Governor Bill Lee’s deployment of National Guard forces violates state law and the Tennessee Constitution. The court’s ruling does not dismiss the case but postpones further action to the November 3 hearing.
President Donald Trump had previously announced plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis, stating, “We’re going to fix that just like we did Washington.” A governor’s office spokesperson defended the move, asserting that the Tennessee National Guard operates under state authority and that Governor Lee has constitutional power to deploy forces under Title 32.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris criticized the deployment during a press conference, emphasizing opposition to “the threat of military personnel or National Guard” in Memphis. He reiterated concerns about racial profiling of Hispanic communities during traffic stops, urging federal officials for action. Memphis City Council member J.B. Smiley Jr. called for resources over militarization, noting the November 3 hearing would address the case’s merits.
The court’s decision allows the deployment to proceed while the legal challenge continues.
