Shelby County’s Republican delegation has sent a letter condemning Fox 13 in Memphis for encouraging interference with law enforcement. The letter accused the television station of “urging citizens to report the locations of federal law enforcement officers conducting operations as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force.”
Fox 13 posted a “call to action” for Memphis residents to report the real-time locations of law enforcement officials in Memphis who are charged with keeping Memphis safe. The station also requested photographs and videos. Fox 13 subsequently removed the post and their news story from their website. Other media outlets in Memphis were apparently doing the same thing, including Channel 3. Some Democrat activists in Memphis are continuing to post information detailing the locations and operations of law enforcement activities.
Fox 13 has since removed its original reporting from its website and social media platforms.
Sen. Paul Rose penned a letter accusing the station of undermining public safety and putting officers’ lives at risk.
“It is outrageous that a local TV station would work against these efforts by tipping off offenders and endangering the officers sworn to protect us,” Rose said in a statement. “This irresponsible reporting must stop now so law enforcement can do its job without interference.”
Also signing the letter were Sen. Brent Taylor, and Reps. Mark White, John Gillespie, Kevin Vaughn, and Tom Leatherwood.
Since law enforcement stepped up efforts to restore law and order in Memphis, crimes have already been dramatically reduced in just the first week. Governor Bill Lee and President Donald Trump have authorized the deployment of the National Guard to Memphis in addition to assigning more state troopers to the city.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi provided an update on Saturday detailing the arrests and confiscation of illegal guns. Despite protests from the Left, the focus on reversing lawlessness in Memphis will continue for several weeks to come.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
