Viral Moment Memphis Entertainer Chrishaun Akins Is Tackled by National Guard as He Insists It Was a ‘Misunderstanding’ During Crime Crackdown Patrol

A well-known Memphis entertainer says he was left injured and shaken after being tackled by National Guard troops in a dramatic street incident that has now gone viral, as new details reveal the confrontation happened amid an ongoing military-backed crime crackdown in the city.

Chrishaun Akins, known locally for his high-energy performances and viral dance clips, was brought to the ground by multiple Guardsmen on Beale Street during a nighttime disturbance in March 2026. Footage shows troops subduing a man in the middle of the street, an image that some say reflects active order maintenance as part of heightened patrols in the area.

The presence of the Tennessee National Guard in Memphis is not new. Troops have been supporting police and federal agencies since September 2025 as part of a multi-agency effort to reduce crime, with operations continuing into 2026 despite ongoing legal challenges over their deployment authority. Against that backdrop, the video has taken on added significance, raising fresh questions about how those patrols are being carried out on the ground.

Akins insists he was wrongly targeted.

“I wasn’t using no force. I wasn’t doing nothing bad. I didn’t resist. I didn’t do no resisting at all, and they did me dirty,” he said, claiming he may have injured his shoulder during the takedown. “They put their feet inside my arm. They scratched me up real bad.”

Video from the scene appears to show Akins holding a belt while interacting with a group of women, who he says were laughing and engaging with him moments before the situation escalated. Within seconds, a Guardsman rushes in and tackles him, with others quickly joining to pin him down.

Akins believes the chaotic atmosphere played a major role, suggesting he may have been mistaken for someone involved in a nearby altercation.

“I guess it was so much commotion going on, and they was already fed up and angry, so they come up on me. And next thing, you know, he tackled me,” he said.

He maintains the belt was part of his performance and not intended as a threat, pointing to the reactions of those around him as proof the moment was being taken in good spirits before authorities intervened.

“If you go look at the video, you can tell, they was laughing and having fun right with me, and everyone took it the wrong way,” he added.

For many in Memphis, the images are jarring precisely because of who Akins is. Widely regarded as a local celebrity, he is known for spreading positivity through school visits, public appearances, and social media content, making the forceful nature of the takedown all the more surprising to those familiar with his work.

The incident now sits at the intersection of a broader debate. Supporters of the increased security presence argue that strong, visible enforcement is necessary to maintain order in high-traffic areas like Beale Street, particularly during large disturbances. Critics, however, say the footage raises concerns about whether individuals are being caught up in aggressive policing tactics during tense situations.