MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton is seeking the removal of Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, calling his decision to offer diversion to felons possessing firearms a serious misjudgment.
“His actions will make Memphis even more unsafe and is another step in kowtowing to criminals. He is doing everything he can to keep criminals on the street instead of behind bars. I plan on continuing my discussions with the AG to seek remedies like removal from office and other viable options to keep Memphis and our communities safe,” Speaker Sexton posted to X.
This week, Mulroy rolled out a new diversion program for some defendants charged with unlawfully possessing a weapon.
Mulroy to offer diversion for some weapon charges, sparking controversy
Mulroy said the program would address racial disparities in the legal system and would improve public safety by rehabilitating offenders.
The DA says his diversion program is only for defendants who do not have violent criminal records, and their charges involving gun possession are non-violent.