Federal agents kill suspect during Memphis Safe Task Force operation at motel

Federal agents from the Memphis Safe Task Force, a joint operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, shot and killed an unidentified man during a raid on an extended-stay motel on Poplar Avenue, about 11 miles east of downtown Memphis. The agents said they were attempting to serve a warrant on a fugitive charged with felony drug offenses.

"Federal and local law enforcement officers were attempting to serve a warrant on a wanted fugitive facing felony drug charges out of Shelby county," a U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson said. "After issuing numerous verbal commands for the individual to surrender, officers made a forced entry into the building. Additional commands were given for the individual to exit. During the encounter, the individual pointed a handgun at members of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Taskforce members responded to the immediate threat by discharging their firearms."

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is handling the shooting investigation, and authorities have not released the victim's identity. The incident is the fourth officer-involved death linked to the task force, which was created by an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in September to address rising crime rates in Memphis. Earlier incidents this year included the fatal shootings of Darrin Pigram, Jonah Neal and Tyrin Johnson during separate law-enforcement actions.