A shocking video posted on X shows two men stepping out of a red car in broad daylight, raising firearms, and unleashing a barrage of shots before quickly retreating into the vehicle and speeding away. The surveillance footage, released by the Memphis Police Department, captures the brief but jarring scene on a major street in the upscale neighborhood of Harbor Town, Tennessee.
The video, which can be viewed here and has already surpassed a million views, is just fifteen seconds long but has left a lasting impression. The men, both wearing white T-shirts, appear calm as they exit the car, fire their weapons across the street, and then retreat back to the car within seconds.
The footage circulated alongside a caption from commentator Todd Starnes that read, “This is why President Trump is sending in the National Guard to Memphis. This gunfight happened in broad daylight Saturday near a very well-to-do area called Harbor Town. Memphis City Hall is in bed with the gangbangers.”
Gunfight in Memphis’ Harbor Town Sparks National Guard Response and Online Outrage
The post set off a flood of commentary, with many expressing frustration over Tennessee’s inability to rein in crime. “Makes me sad that Tennessee can’t deal with this ourselves,” wrote one user, pointing to the Republican leadership in both the governor’s office and state legislature. Others drew attention to the systemic issues underlying Memphis’ crime wave. One user noted, “I see one or two firearm violations, but I’m betting that like Chicago, they never serve time for it.” Another claimed, “The UPS hub warehouse in Memphis literally separates its employees by gang affiliation.”
Some reactions veered into anger and racialized rhetoric. One comment bluntly read, “Black males… Again,” while another called Memphis “a hellhole,” claiming violence was citywide. Others framed the problem in political terms, suggesting Democrats resist federal intervention because of financial gain from “crime-rundown cities.” The viral video and heated online debate come as President Trump orders the National Guard into Memphis.
