The NAACP is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the deaths of Darius Chappell of Clarksville and Tyrin Johnson of Memphis, arguing that federal authorities should review the circumstances surrounding both cases.
In a July 10 letter to the Justice Department, the civil rights organization also called for the immediate suspension of the Memphis Safe Task Force, citing concerns about officer training, and urged the federal government to halt National Guard activity in Memphis.
NAACP President/CEO Derrick Johnson said the organization is seeking “a thorough, transparent federal investigation” and accountability in both deaths.
The NAACP also criticized the Justice Department’s recent approach to police oversight, noting that it withdrew a 2025 report examining the Memphis Police Department. The organization said a recent survey it conducted found that 63% of Memphis respondents strongly opposed the National Guard’s deployment in the city, while 54% said the deployment had undermined public safety and trust.
The NAACP said it will continue advocating for a federal investigation and greater accountability, adding that its full letter to the Justice Department is available on its website.
