Dashcam footage from a Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicle has sparked a firestorm online, with viral claims alleging a protester was struck during a demonstration in Memphis, only for the agency to push back hard against the narrative.
In Memphis, Tennessee, a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper was navigating through a group of protesters when an incident unfolded, captured on dashcam video.
The footage shows a man in a bright orange construction vest stepping in front of the patrol car, grabbing its push bars, and falling backward as if hit. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has since released the video, firmly denying social media claims that the individual was struck or injured by the trooper, emphasizing the clarity of the recording.
Let’s dig into the details of what happened. The video shows the trooper attempting to maneuver around protesters when a man holding a handheld radio emerges from behind a white SUV, Fox News reported. He raises his hands, steps directly in front of the vehicle, and ignores the trooper’s audible commands.
The audio captures the trooper’s frustration loud and clear: "Move! Get out of my way!"
Instead of complying, the protester shakes his head, gestures with a finger as if to say “wait,” and then grabs the vehicle’s front bars before dramatically falling to the ground. Moments later, he stands up on his own, points again at the trooper, and walks back to his vehicle without apparent injury.
The incident didn’t stay quiet for long. Social media erupted with posts claiming the man was hit by the trooper, painting a picture of reckless law enforcement behavior. The Tennessee Highway Patrol quickly countered, calling these assertions flat-out false.
The agency issued a statement reinforcing its stance. "In this case, video clearly shows the individual holding onto the front of the trooper’s vehicle, lying down, then standing back up afterward and leaving the scene under his own power," they declared.
They didn’t stop there, adding, "At no point does the video show the individual being run over or injured, despite the narratives circulating on social media." That’s a direct jab at the online rumor mill, and the footage seems to back their claim.
Now, let’s shift gears to the bigger picture. The Highway Patrol didn’t just defend their trooper—they doubled down on their mission to keep everyone safe, whether it’s protesters, drivers, or their own officers.
Their statement made it clear that while they support peaceful protest, there are limits. Blocking active roadways or putting oneself in harm’s way isn’t part of that right, and it creates immediate danger for all involved.
This incident has sparked debate over where the line should be drawn. When someone steps into traffic or in front of a moving vehicle, it’s not just risky—it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen. The agency noted troopers are trained to de-escalate and prevent tragedy in these tense moments.
Here’s where things get murky for some. While the right to protest is sacred in a free society, it can’t come at the expense of basic safety or common sense. This protester’s apparent stunt—grabbing a vehicle and playing possum—doesn’t exactly scream “peaceful assembly.”
Critics of progressive protest tactics might see this as another example of attention-seeking behavior that undermines legitimate causes. If the goal is to make a point, staging a fake injury in front of a law enforcement vehicle isn’t the way to win hearts or minds—it just muddies the waters.
At the end of the day, the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s footage tells a story that clashes with the viral outrage. Public safety isn’t a game, and while everyone deserves their voice, actions like these risk turning a serious message into a sideshow. Law enforcement’s job is tough enough without manufactured controversies fueling distrust.
