MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Following a shooting on Beale Street that left a man dead, Memphis Mayor Paul Young gave his thoughts on security just days before the Bluff City is set to host NCAA Tournament games a block from where the deadly shooting took place.
According to Memphis Police, the shooting happened just before 2 a.m. at Jerry Lee Lewis' Cafe on Beale Street.
A man was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he later died, and another man was later charged with second-degree murder.
Memphian Shaleska Howze planned on being on Beale Street around that time and is relieved that she stayed home.
"I promise I'm so glad we weren't here last night," Howze said. "Because we almost came, but we didn't."
The shooting was just a block away from FedExForum, where the first and second-round NCAA Tournament games will take place starting Friday, March 22.
We asked Young for his response to the shooting, and what he could tell Memphians and tourists to assure them of security measures downtown ahead of the games, which are expected to draw more than 20,000 people to Beale Street. While the mayor did not give comment on the shooting itself, citing the pending investigation, he did outline extra security measures downtown.
"We are super excited to welcome the NCAA tournament and guests to downtown next weekend," Young said. "We will have enhanced security protocols throughout downtown — including bike and mounted MPD officers, additional screening efforts on Beale Street, plus an enhanced Blue Suede Brigade presence."
Howze welcomes the increased police presence.
"I just feel like they need to buckle down and bring more law enforcement out," Howze said. "If we have isn't enough, bring more because we have more people coming to our city, and if we want to keep it coming, make sure they're safe when they're here and also the citizens of Memphis."
The mayor said, in addition to the increased MPD presence, he's also calling on downtown restaurants and businesses to expand their operating hours during tournament weekend, between lunch and dinner hours, in the hopes the increased lighting and vibrancy provide guests "the most welcoming Memphis experience."
Memphis Police and the city have expanded security efforts on Beale Street for most high-impact events, most recently on New Year's Eve, where 5,000 to 6,000 people celebrated the new year downtown.
The city has also expanded security measures in response to recent violent crime on Beale Street, notably after a mass shooting in August that left eight people injured.