NAACP calls for federal investigation and suspension of Memphis task force after deaths of two Black men in Tennessee

NASHVILLE — The NAACP is calling for a federal investigation into the deaths of two Black men in Tennessee after separate encounters with law enforcement. They are also urging the Department of Justice to intervene and suspend the Memphis Safe Task Force.

In a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, the NAACP said both deaths occurred within one week and involved either police custody or the presence of law enforcement. The organization demanded a “full and fair investigation” into the deaths of Darius Chappell of Clarksville and Tyrin Johnson of Memphis.

Two Deaths, One Week, Growing Outrage

Darius Chappell

Chappell died four days after a violent arrest in Clarksville. Video showed officers tasering him, pulling his hair and allowing a police K‑9 to maul him while he was already on the ground. Witnesses shouted for officers to stop the attack. Chappell was later found unresponsive in his jail cell. He pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed it is reviewing the case.

Tyrin Johnson

Days later, Johnson, a 20‑year‑old father and former Tennessee State University student, was shot and killed during a 4 a.m. encounter with two Tennessee National Guard soldiers assigned to the Memphis Safe Task Force. Authorities said he pulled a gun during a chase.

NAACP Demands Suspension of Memphis Safe Task Force

The NAACP called for the immediate suspension of the Memphis Safe Task Force, created under President Donald Trump as an anti‑crime partnership involving federal, state and local agencies. The organization said the task force deployed federal agents “without sufficient training for civilian policing,” contributing to multiple fatal encounters.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the DOJ must act.

“The Department of Justice cannot continue to stand by while Black lives are taken,” he wrote. “We demand a thorough, transparent federal investigation.”

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Chappell’s family questioned whether he received proper medical care after the arrest. They also demanded accountability for the officers involved.

Johnson’s family said conflicting reports from agencies require federal oversight.

The NAACP said federal investigators have the expertise needed to examine law‑enforcement misconduct and ensure constitutional protections. The group also cited community distrust, noting that 63% of Memphis residents surveyed strongly disapprove of National Guard deployment in their neighborhoods.

As investigations continue, the NAACP says the public deserves clarity, accountability and justice.

“We will not allow the names of Darius Chappell and Tyrin Johnson to be overlooked,” the organization said.