Memphis General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer has responded to a video of her unprovoked confrontation with Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies, saying in part: “The short clip being circulated does not tell the full story, but I will not be intimidated or silenced by Republican threats or political attacks.”

The Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk exploded in rage at law enforcement officers after she was caught trying to smuggle a gun into the building for her “private security.” The entire incident was captured on video. She cursed at officers and specifically targeted a white officer with racist language. 

Now, Tami Sawyer is blaming her racism and dirty mouth on the National Guard.

In a statement she released late Thursday regarding the incident: “Over the past few weeks, I have been under immense stress — advocating for Memphis in the face of a federal occupation, preparing my team for increased caseloads and budget cuts, and receiving credible death threats.

“The short clip being circulated does not tell the full story, but I will not be intimidated or silenced by Republican threats or political attacks. To my staff and constituents, especially those who continue to place their trust in me, thank you — I remain committed to serving you with integrity, even when my most human moments are weaponized without full context.

“Let us not forget that we are witnessing an authoritarian attempt to suppress dissent, and this video’s release is not about my behavior, but about silencing my voice and the truth I speak.”

Sawyer has used questionable language and slurs in past tweets that the media exposed in 2019. She later apologized for some of the tweets, but claimed some of them were simply “jokes”. 

Sen. Brent Taylor is calling for Sawyer to be removed from office immediately. “She has proven herself unfit for office, and Shelby County deserves better than this,” Sen. Taylor said.

“This incident follows another incident where law enforcement had to detain Tami Sawyer for walking into the middle of an active crime scene and refusing to leave after being asked,” Taylor noted.

“This behavior isn’t just unprofessional, but it’s outright dangerous and hypocritical. How can anyone who runs a criminal court, overseeing justice and law enforcement daily, treat officers with such vile and racist disrespect? Sawyer’s entitled attitude and actions show a complete contempt for the very system she’s supposed to uphold. No elected official should ever behave this way, especially one in charge of a court where law enforcement risks their lives every day.”

“With the Memphis Safe Task Force in town arresting routine and violent criminals and restoring law and order, some of those arrests and tickets will be going through Tami Sawyer’s General Sessions Clerk’s Office. Do we believe she has the morals, let alone the skills, to process these cases efficiently so we can clean up Memphis crime while she publicly trashes law enforcement and the federal resources coming to clean up crime?”

“I demand Tami Sawyer’s immediate resignation” Taylor said. She has proven herself unfit for office, and Shelby County deserves better than this. If we’re going to #MakeMemphisMatter, then we need better leaders than Tami Sawyer. She’s only Making Memphis Madder!”

The Republican Party of Shelby County is has issued a letter demanding her immediate resignation.

Some in Memphis are questioning why she was not arrested on the spot for attempting to bring a gun into the courthouse. Others are pointing out that based upon her claims that Memphis is “safe” and that the deployment of the National Guard is unnecessary, why does she need a gun for protection?

This is a developing story.

Steve Gill is Editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.