House Speaker Sexton defends bill arming teachers, pins Memphis crime on gangs

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton sat down with WREG to talk about Memphis crime and even arming teachers in classrooms.

As Memphis deals with the aftermath of a mass shooting and nonstop gun violence across the city, lawmakers are wrapping up another legislative session. Sexton says Memphis’ crime is top of mind.

“I understand the frustration here in Shelby County,” Sexton said. “I have friends who still live here and they don’t want to go out at night. They don’t want to go pump gas at night.”

WREG showed him photos of young people holding guns and waving them in the air at Orange Mound Park before two people were killed and seven hurt.

“I don’t think open carry had anything to do with those guns looking like in those pictures because that should be illegal currently in the state of Tennessee for waving those things, especially if they’re juveniles,” Sexton said.

Now, guns will be allowed in classrooms. Possibly one of the most controversial bills passed allows teachers and school staff to carry firearms .

“And I think sometimes when things get out there, people missed that part,” Sexton said. “And so, all we’re doing is giving the local education association or the school system here the ability to say yes or no. We’re not mandating that they do it. It’s their decision.”

When asked about the ongoing crime and gun violence plaguing the city, Sexton points to gangs. “

When schools shut down during COVID, it increased gang activity, increased the number of people who are in gangs. So not only do you have over 100 gangs, you have over 15,000 people in those gangs. And that is a huge number,” Sexton said.

Sexton says he is now working with all city leaders in hopes of gaining control of the city again.

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