Officials react to death of Memphis police officer: 'Another sorrowful & heartbreaking day'

A shootout in Southwest Memphis early Friday morning left two people, including a Memphis police officer, dead, the Memphis Police Department said.

The officer, identified as Officer Joseph McKinney, joined Memphis Police Department in 2020, according to interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis.

The 18-year-old who was also killed during the shootout is believed to have been a suspect in the shooting, Davis said. Two other officers, along with a 17-year-old suspected of being involved in the shooting, were also injured and brought to Regional One Hospital.

In the wake of McKinney's death, a number of public officials expressed condolences. Here's what they said.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee posted to X, offering condolences to McKinney's family, along with the officers that are recovering in the hospital.

"Maria & I are deeply saddened by the death of Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney while serving in the line of duty," Lee said. "Our prayers are with Officer McKinney's family, the recovering officers & the Memphis law enforcement community."

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said on X that McKinney's sacrifice embodied policing.

"We offer our deepest sympathies to Officer Joseph McKinney's family, friends and colleagues," Harris wrote. "His sacrifice embodies the courage and dedication of all who protect and serve our community."

Memphis City Council issues joint statement

A joint statement from the Memphis City Council said the officer's death, and the injury to the other officers, spoke to the need for gun reform and increased mental health and wellness resources. Read the full statement here:

"We, the Memphis City Council, are deeply saddened by the act of violence that took place last night, resulting in the shooting of two MPD officers, and the death of one officer, Officer Joseph McKinney," the email statement read. "We stand alongside the people of Memphis and offer our thoughts and prayers for the recovery of those injured, and express our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones that Officer McKinney leaves behind.

"It is no question that the City of Memphis is in need of peace, justice, and much-needed gun reform, in addition to increased access to mental health and wellness resources, which will make our city the safe place we know it can be. We, the Memphis City Council, are committed to doing everything in our power to meet that need, and are actively seeking ways to collaborate with community stakeholders, business leaders, and the Memphis Police Department to join us in our efforts.

"Together, the City of Memphis has what it takes to make our city, our community a safe place for everyone. Though the road may be long, we cannot and will not give up on our pursuit of a better Memphis."

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, in a post to X, said McKinney died protecting Shelby County citizens.

"I was deeply grieved upon hearing the news that Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney lost his life during a shooting incident this morning in South Memphis," Bonner said in the statement. "On behalf of all the men and women of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the Memphis Police Department. We are thankful that the other two officers injured are going to be okay and are healing from their injuries. We pray they will have a speedy recovery. Officer McKinney died protecting the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County and we are truly heartbroken."

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright called for an end to violence in a post to X, adding he believes the best way to do that is to improve the justice system.

"The violence in this community demands a continued, serious response from lawmakers and local policy makers," Wright said. "I appreciate members of the Shelby state delegation who have made public safety their main focus this session. The priority for Shelby County Government needs to be on our justice system, with what happens after an arrest — in our courts, our jail, and our detention center."

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Memphis Democrat, said McKinney's death in the line of duty reinforced the need to provide more resources for law enforcement.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Officer McKinney, shot in the line of duty this morning," Cohen said in an email statement. "Police officers protect society and put their lives in jeopardy every day. Police officers have difficult, often dangerous jobs. We need to keep working to provide them with the resources they need to work as safely as possible. I want to express my condolences to Officer McKinney's family and friends, and my sorrow to the families of the officers injured in this terrible incident."

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff

U.S Rep. David Kustoff, a Republican representing part of Shelby County, called for prayers for McKinney's family, along with the other officers as they recover.

"Roberta and I are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of MPD Officer Joseph McKinney," Kustoff said in a post on X. "Please join us in praying for the swift recovery of the two additional officers who were shot in the line of duty this morning. During this time, Officer McKinney’s family and the entire [The Memphis Police Department] will remain in our thoughts."

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty said he and his wife are praying for McKinney's family.

"I am heartbroken to hear the news of the death of Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney," Hagerty said in a post on X. "Chrissy and I are praying for his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn conveyed, in multiple posts on X, condolences towards McKinney's family, and said she hoped the other officers injured have a quick recovery.

"I am heartbroken to learn that Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney was murdered in the line of duty while protecting and serving Tennesseans," Blackburn said. "My prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues."

State Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Memphis Democrat, said the community is "hurting again after another act of senseless gun violence" and called for the community to "lift up" MPD and the grieving families.

"This morning, MPD Officer Joseph McKinney was killed by gunfire that also injured two of his colleagues," Akbari said in an email statement. "Additionally, an 18-year-old is dead and a 17-year-old is in the hospital. Our community is hurting again after another act of senseless gun violence. In this moment, we need to lift up the MPD and the families who are grieving, and then come together in finding ways to stop the next tragedy."

State Rep. John Gillespie

Tennessee State Rep. John Gillespie, a Memphis Republican, called for prayers to be sent to McKinney's family in a post to X.

"Please join me in praying for the family of Officer Joseph McKinney, who was murdered in the line of duty last night in Memphis," Gillespie wrote. "Please also join me in prayer for the other officers and their families who were wounded."

Memphis City Council Chairman JB Smiley Jr.

Memphis City Council Chairman JB Smiley Jr. called for an end to "the lawlessness in our community" in a post to X Friday morning.

"Three Memphis Police officers were shot in the line of duty," Smiley said. "Praying for the officers and their families. The lawlessness in our community must come to an end."

Memphis City Councilman Chase Carlisle

Memphis City Councilman Chase Carlisle said the shooting reinforced the need for work to be done in the criminal justice system, but also expressed condolences to McKinney's family.

"Today brings another sorrowful & heartbreaking day for our community," Carlisle said on X. "Numerous thoughts come to mind regarding the preventability of this incident through appropriate bail measures or the concerning issue of guns & violence in our community. Nevertheless, it is crucial to center our support & prayers on Officer Joseph McKinney's family during this difficult time."

Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green

Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green, also in a post to X, said her thoughts were with McKinney's family.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about last night's incident and the tragic loss of life," Green wrote. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow officers. This is a painful reminder of the risks the police take every day in the service to others and just how much work we have to do in Memphis. My heart is heavy, but my purpose is clear. We must do better."

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis police officer killed: What city, TN officials have said