Politics

At least nine armed Guard members began their patrol at the Bass Pro Shops located at the Pyramid, an iconic landmark in Memphis, and a nearby tourist welcome center along the Mississippi River. Wearing Guard fatigues and protective vests labeled “military police,” they were being escorted by a local police officer and posed for photos with visitors.

It was unclear how many Guard members were on the ground or were expected to arrive later.

Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, said he never requested that the Guard come to Memphis. But after President Donald Trump made the Sept. 15 announcement and Republican Gov. Bill Lee agreed, Young and others said they wanted the task force to focus on targeting violent offenders rather than use their presence to scare, harass or intimidate the general public.