Braces for the arrival

Memphis braces for the arrival of National Guard troops

From CNN's Chelsea Bailey

As the sun rose today in Memphis, Tennessee, residents found themselves bracing for an expected surge of National Guard troops.

While it’s unclear how many troops will be deployed to the “Home of the Blues,” a website launched by city officials to keep locals informed of the “multi-agency initiative,” says the Guard will be “serving as extra ‘eyes and ears’ in our neighborhoods, assisting local, state, and federal agencies.”

“Our goal is to ensure that the state and federal efforts coming to Memphis are guided by one purpose: to uplift our community and accelerate a safer, stronger future,” Democratic Mayor Paul Young said in a statement.

A small number of troops were already stationed in the city earlier this week ahead of Friday’s larger deployment. According to the city, in the last year, homicides have fallen by 30% and overall crime is down 13%.