Cindy Leachman Aldridge holds a photo of her late grandson, Jonah Neal, at her home on July 12 in Owensboro, Ky.Jonah Neal was killed in May in Memphis, Tenn.
by a federal agent with the Memphis Safe Task Force.Luke Sharrett for NPR hide caption Warning: This story contains mention of suicide and mental illness. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.The night that her son was having a mental breakdown, Jessica Neal called 911 hoping to save his life.Jonah Neal, 25, had a handgun and was threatening suicide.
Instead of local police, federal agents arrived at her doorstep.Within minutes of entering her home, a special agent had shot her son, Neal said.
It would be hours before she found out her son was dead, she added.The agent was with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which operates under Immigration and Customs Enforcement.HSI was sent to Memphis as part of a crime-fighting task force comprised of roughly 350 federal agents and 1,450 members of the Tennessee National Guard, according to the U.S.
Marshals Service.It began last fall at the direction of President Trump and Tennessee Gov.
Bill Lee.At least five people — including Jonah Neal in May — have been shot by a member of the Memphis Safe Task Force.Four of those confrontations were fatal.
In one deadly encounter last week, two National Guard soldiers were the ones who fired their weapons.Cindy Leachman Aldridge holds a photo of her late grandson, Jonah Neal, at her home on July 12 in Owensboro, Ky.
Jonah Neal was killed on May 20 in Memphis, Tenn.during an encounter with federal agents from the Memphis Safe Task Force.
Luke Sharrett for NPR hide caption ...