UPDATE: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has just announced its takeover of the investigation into a controversial altercation involving Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer and deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). The incident, which has stirred significant public outcry, reportedly occurred at the Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse on Adams Avenue and involved an armed personal security guard accompanying Sawyer.
This urgent development follows the release of a brief video by State Senator Brent Taylor, which has ignited calls for Sawyer’s resignation from the Republican Party of Shelby County. They are alleging that her behavior was “wholly inappropriate and incompatible with public office.” The full video is reportedly over 53 minutes long, but only a short segment has been made public.
Sawyer is defending her actions, asserting on Facebook that she adhered to all county regulations regarding personal security and had previously notified officials about the presence of her security guard. She claims that the video does not accurately depict the full context of the incident.
In a statement reported by WREG, Sawyer expressed her frustrations, stating, “I have been under immense stress — advocating for Memphis amid a federal occupation, preparing my team for increased caseloads and receiving credible death threats.” She characterized the political backlash as intimidation tactics but vowed to remain undeterred.
The SCSO conducted an internal review and confirmed that the deputies involved acted in accordance with their training and department policies. Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. stated, “The conduct of the deputies involved revealed that they acted professionally and consistently with their training and SCSO policies during the interactions.”
Despite this internal affirmation, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has opted to involve the TBI to ensure an impartial investigation, reflecting the seriousness and public interest surrounding the incident.
As this story develops, many are watching closely to see how the TBI’s inquiry will unfold and what implications it may have for Sawyer’s role as court clerk. The heightened tensions surrounding this incident underscore the ongoing challenges faced by public officials in a politically charged environment.
Stay tuned for more updates as this investigation progresses.
