MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com)- The situation in El Paso comes on the heels of a deadly shooting at a Walmart in Southaven, MS just days ago.
This just into the Local 24 Newsroom, Memphis Police Director, Mike Rallings announced a plan to increase patrols at Mid-South Walmarts, shopping centers, churches and schools. Director Rallings announced the department is taking proactive steps to keep you safe.
Director Rallings said what happened in El Paso was tragic and he wants residents and visitors to Memphis to be able to come and enjoy the city.
“We was just talking about that…like you can’t even go to Walmart now…and it’s getting crazy. Like it really is,” said Queanisha Evans of Olive Branch.
Local 24 News talked with shoppers in Olive Branch who were stunned to hear of yet another shooting taking a number of lives in a shopping center in El Paso, Texas.
“There’s just a lot of mentally ill people in the world and unfortunately we’re not able to find them before they do it,” said Southaven resident, Martha Bailey.
Tuesday, managers Anthony Brown and Brandon Gales were killed in Southaven.
“We know that with all of these recent shootings, a lot of folks are on edge and we want to just reassure our community that we’re going to take proactive steps,” said Director Rallings.
Saturday evening, Director Rallings announced plans to beef up visibility in public areas.
“Avoid, deny, defend and know that your police department is concerned about your safety not just on the interstate but in your schools, your places of worship, your malls,” Director Rallings explained.
Director Rallings encourages people out and about in the Memphis area to use the motto…avoid, deny and defend. He wants you to be aware of your surroundings and if you do get in a dangerous situation, call 911 immediately and try to keep the attacker away from you.
Memphis Police are leaning on the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and other local agencies to help keep you safe.
“It’s tough to be everywhere every place, every time with the resources we have but we got some great men and women and they are going to continue to serve the city,” Director Rallings said.
The initiative goes into effect immediately. Memphis Police are also going through more active shooter training drills. Their newest recruiting class had their latest drill 2 weeks ago.