US EditionAG Withdrew Legal Opinion in 2024 Suggesting National Guard for TN Policing Unconstitutional
Senator Jeff Yarbro challenges the legality of deploying 150 National Guardsmen to Memphis amid concerns over transparency and constitutionality, citing a revised Attorney General opinion.
- On Monday, National Guard troops arrived in Memphis to begin operations as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, setting up command stations.
- A 2021 opinion by Herbert Slatery warned that a law allowing militia deployment may conflict with the Tennessee Constitution, and that opinion was withdrawn in 2024 without public notice.
- Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti revised his advisory opinion, saying changing guidance is legal, while Sen. Jeff Yarbro criticized the unannounced withdrawal, warning `This is deeply problematic to see the Attorney General just shifting the advice that is given to state officials`.
- The U.S. Attorney General reported 53 arrests and 20 illegal guns seized in the first 48 hours and plans to meet law enforcement in Memphis on Wednesday, October 2, 2025.
- The dispute could proceed through lawsuits and congressional oversight as officials debate the task force's role, and U.S. Senator Taylor will testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Tennessee senator challenges legality of National Guard’s deployment to Memphis after AG withdrew legal opinion
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) is calling for answers and transparency after two legal opinions regarding the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard were quietly revised or withdrawn. This comes after Gov. Bill Lee ordered the National Guard to Memphis to help fight crime. On Tuesday, Yarbro stated that Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti may have altered or withdrawn past legal opinions that "cast serious …
Daily Post-Athenian
Tennessee lawmaker says AG omitted, altered Guard deployment opinions
A Tennessee Democratic lawmaker is accusing the state’s attorney general of revising and withdrawing a legal opinion on National Guard deployment, enabling the governor to send troops to Memphis in violation of the Constitution. Reacting to Gov. Bill Lee’s decision…
AG withdrew legal opinion in 2024 suggesting National Guard for TN policing unconstitutional
Former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery wrote that a state law allowing the governor to call a militia into service "at any time that 'public safety' requires it" appeared to violate the state constitution.
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