Thread by @Local24Brad

At 5 & 6 @LocalMemphis, I'll recap Attorney General Bill Barr's visit in Memphis this afternoon, where he'll update with @MEM_PoliceDept recent results of #OperationLegend , an initiative launched in the Bluff City in August.

.@TheJusticeDept operation launched in Kansas City in July and later expanded to Memphis & other cities. It brings in temporary and permanent federal investigators to complement the Multi-Agency Gang Unit. Dozens of arrests announced by DOJ to date linked to Operation Legend.

The federal operation isn't without local detractors. The faith group MICAH in mid-August argued instead of more "federal interference", priority should be funding non-police first responders, like mental health specialists and community interventionists.

.@TheJusticeDept said in August the federal assistance would be coming to Memphis because of a significant year to year spike in gun crimes and homicides. This past July saw nearly three times as many homicides compared to July 2019. #OperationLegend

A group of demonstrators plans to gather; I'll have all angles covered.

A group of demonstrators outside the scheduled appearance of AG Bill Barr in Memphis.

This is the set up for AG Bill Barr at MPD Station.

The attorney general is scheduled to speak at 2.

I’ll live tweet; @LocalMemphis plans to live stream.

We are told the attorney general will not take reporter questions.

Attorney General Bill Barr arrives at Memphis Police Station.

AG Bill Barr: Even in the best times, I think it’s the toughest job in the world (being a police officer) but today it’s probably ten times as tough as it has been. The media has taken some unfortunate incidents to paint a false narrative against the police as “bad guys”.

AG Barr: Recently we’ve seen uptick of crime in many of our cities. One reason is COVID-19 & another reason is demonization of police officers. Law enforcement can’t be only solution to violent crime, we have to address underlying factors of crime & foundation of peace on streets

AG Bill Barr wrapped his remarks. This is scene outside.

Volatile scene as official cars leave while Barr speaking inside the MPD precinct.

Police preparing to lead attorney general out of MPD station.

Demonstrators with bullhorns yell profanity at officers.

Viewer discretion advised as AG Bill Barr leaves MLD Station.

Breaking: Demonstrator Hunter Demster is detained. Not sure what led to him being taken into MPD cruiser. The other demonstrators are furious, yelling at officers. Volatile scene continues.

Current situation. Viewer discretion advised for language.

Demonstrators yell at US Attorney and staff as they depart.

This woman was also detained. Not sure if it’s just two people detained or more. Working to verify.