Tennessee Highway Patrol Releases New Protest Video

State Representative calls for investigation after claims of demonstrators being hit by patrol car

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Tennessee Highway Patrol has released a new video showing a protest in Memphis, after questions were raised about troopers' conduct during the demonstration. This comes after State Representative Justin J. Pearson called for a formal investigation amid claims that protesters were hit by a patrol car. The video shows two men standing in front of a cruiser as a trooper tried to drive through the crowd.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the interaction between law enforcement and protesters in Tennessee, with questions around the appropriate use of force and the protection of First Amendment rights during demonstrations.

The details

The new video was posted by THP on social media, with the agency saying it wanted viewers to 'draw their own conclusions' about the incident. This protest was the same one where a man was previously seen holding onto the front of a cruiser as an officer tried to inch forward. THP has defended its actions, saying protesters cannot block roadways as it is a hazard to everyone. However, State Representative Pearson has said he will meet with THP leadership to discuss the agency's role in federal operations and ensure his constituents' rights are protected.

  • The new video was released by THP on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The initial incident occurred during a protest in Memphis last month.

The players

Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP)

The state law enforcement agency that released the new video footage of the protest incident.

State Representative Justin J. Pearson

A Democratic state representative from Memphis who called for a formal investigation into the claims that demonstrators were hit by a patrol car during the protest.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) for posting the previously unreleased video of the incident that I questioned them about during our Transportation committee hearing this week. I am meeting with THP leader Colonel Matt Perry to discuss what the agency's formalized role is in the Trump task force and ICE operations to ensure that my constituents and their First Amendment rights are protected.”

— State Representative Justin J. Pearson (wreg.com)

What’s next

State Representative Pearson plans to meet with THP Colonel Matt Perry to discuss the agency's role in federal operations and ensure the protection of his constituents' First Amendment rights.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters in Tennessee, with concerns around the appropriate use of force and the balance between public safety and the right to peacefully demonstrate. The release of the new video and the planned meeting between the state representative and THP leadership suggest a continued effort to address these issues and find a resolution.