Memphis mayor targeted in kidnapping attempt before boasting of declining crime

Just a few days earlier than Mayor Paul Younger of Memphis praised the declining crime within the metropolis, a person reportedly stalked and tried to kidnap him.

Trenton Abston, 25, was arrested on Wednesday and accused of tried kidnapping, stalking and worsened prison violation in opposition to Younger, in accordance with the Memphis Police Department (MPD).

The police stated in an announcement on Fb that private and non-private safety cameras confirmed that Abston was scaling the wall to the mayor and walked to Younger’s home. He was arrested with a taser, gloves, rope and duct tape in his car.

Trenton Abston, 25, was arrested for stalking and tried kidnapping by Memphis Mayor Paul Younger on June 18, 2025. (Shelby County Sheriff’s Workplace)

Because of a fast response from MPD officers, in addition to photos from the safety digital camera, Abston was shortly arrested, the division stated.

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“We perceive the considerations of this incident and need to reassure the general public that the Memphis Police Division stays totally dedicated to the protection of all residents, together with the chosen officers of our metropolis,” the police stated. “We take each potential risk critically and can proceed to behave shortly and completely.”

In accordance with Shelby County, Tennessee Jail -records, Abston will stay behind bars from Friday and his band has not but been rated. It’s unclear whether or not he has a lawyer and the workplace of the Shelby County Public Defender couldn’t be achieved for remark.

The suspect was arrested solely sooner or later after Younger went to X to defend the town after feedback from sport analyst Stephen A. Smith, who stated that NBA gamers don’t need to play in Memphis due to concern about security.

Memphis, TN – April 25: Memphis Mayor Paul Younger poses for a portrait in Memphis, TN on April 25, 2025. (Photograph by Brandon Dill for the Washington Submit through Getty Photos) (Getty Photos)

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“The individuals in Memphis, it is an excellent sports activities metropolis – nice followers, nice individuals – however there is a component the place cats similar to Jimmy Butler and others do not feel that it’s the most secure atmosphere,” Smith stated on the “First Take” on ESPN on Tuesday’s version.

“I discuss to the native authorities in Memphis. It’s important to clear up some issues like that as a result of it’s discouraging for NBA gamers. They talked about it. I do know. They instructed me. That is all I say.”

The remark led to the recoil of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and from Younger.

“Speak extra concerning the Grizz than the ultimate [laughing emoji] White this one [cap emoji] AHH Sources, “Morant posted on X.” As a substitute of specializing in the performances we have now seen from JDUB/SHAI, TJ/Siakam, how this collection goes. We are saying SUMN negatively a few metropolis/crew at nationwide degree. “

Sure Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball in the course of the match in opposition to the Miami Warmth on 3 April 2025 in Kaseya Heart in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE through Getty photos)

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Younger additionally weighed X.

“Stephen known as us an excellent sports activities metropolis – information,” he stated. “Pricey followers within the sport? True. Individuals from Memphis?

“However what he misses is that the crime fell significantly in 2024 and 2025. We aren’t solely on change, we ship it. Memphis is rising and we have now the figures and the center to show it.”

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Tangle of Ramps for the I-40 Interstate trade across the Renasant Conference Heart in Memphis, Tennessee. (Ron Buskirk/UCG/Common Photos Group through Getty Photos)

He additionally thanked Memphians and Morant for standing up for the town, and invited Smith to return to Memphis, the place he’s welcome “Anytime”.

Younger’s workplace and the Sheriff’s Workplace of Shelby County haven’t instantly returned feedback requests.

MPD stated that the safety photos weren’t out there for launch.

Fox Information’ Scott Thompson has contributed to this report.