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On-Duty Tennessee National Guardsmen Could Get Personal Immunity From Lawsuits

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Last summer's shooting in Chattanooga has prompted National Guard leaders in Tennessee to let members carry guns. Credit: Joe RaedleGetty Images
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National Guardsmen in Tennessee could soon be immune from civil suits if they fire their guns in self-defense.

Tennessee senators voted unanimously Monday afternoon to approve the idea, Senate Bill 1760. It stems from last summer’s shooting attacks in Chattanooga.

Afterward, the Tennessee National Guard began letting members bring their own guns while on duty. But that didn’t protect Guardsmen from being sued for personal injury if they actually used them.

Guardsmen would have to show their use of force was justifiable and that they were authorized to carry.

The House is still considering the proposal.

Filed Under: Politics, WPLN News Tagged With: ,

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Chas Sisk, Senior Editor

Chas joined WPLN in 2015 and became an editor in 2018. Previously, he covered state politics for Nashville Public Radio and The Tennessean, and he’s also reported on communities, politics and business for a variety of publications in Massachusetts, New York and Washington, D.C. Chas grew up in South Carolina and attended Columbia University, where he studied economics and journalism.

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