MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tennessee National Guard will keep supporting a crime-fighting task force ordered by President Donald Trump in Memphis after a judge blocked the troops from operating in the city, but she kept the ruling paused while the state appeals, Gov. Bill Lee's office said Tuesday.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal issued the order Monday as part of a lawsuit filed by Democratic state and local officials who contend that the Republican governor cannot deploy the Tennessee National Guard for civil unrest unless there is rebellion or invasion. Even then, they argue, it would require a request by local officials amid a ”breakdown of law and order” and action by Tennessee lawmakers, according to state laws cited by the plaintiffs.

Recommended Videos

The judge c

See Full Page