Overview:
Residents are demanding body-cam footage and transparency.
Community members are demanding body-camera footage from local law enforcement as they seek answers regarding an incident involving the National Guard, Memphis Police Department, and more.
After a viral video showed a heavy presence of law enforcement agents outside of Da Sammich Spot Restaurant and Resource Hub located at 3020 Park Avenue on Sunday night, residents are asking for body-cam footage, transparency on interagency agreements, accountability measures, and formal officer training on constitutional and property rights.
“While no explanation has been provided for the National Guard’s initial presence at the restaurant, the apparent targeting of a business for protected political expression has prompted questions about whether that conduct was retaliatory intended to intimidate,” Tyler Foster, vice president of the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), said.
According to a press release from Foster, the business had a “No ICE Access in this Business” sign displayed for the past three months, which he said “rais[ed] questions about potential retaliation for protected political speech.”
The video, posted by Hunter Demster, showed MPD and National Guard Agents surrounding the spot. Demster said the owner, Rob Brown, had asked them to leave.
Foster said as more law enforcement arrived at the property, so did local community organizers and residents. He said the gathering “remained peaceful throughout,” and officers threatened arrests for disorderly conduct.
No arrests were made, however Foster said he went to the MPD Airways Station seeking information on the Guard’s cooperation with MPD — and whether they were in accordance with previous guidance issued by the city.
Foster said record requests have been filed to seek answers on the Guard’s legal authority and scope and MPD’s role in the standoff.
“In response to this incident, community members are calling on MPD to immediately release all body-worn camera footage from officers present at the scene,” Foster said in a statement. “Advocates are also urging MPD to formally adopt, publish, and make readily accessible clear written policies governing any cooperation or coordination with the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies, including the scope of authority, command structure, and circumstances under which such agencies may operate on private property.”
MPD has not responded for comment.