Grizzlies hold moment of silence for Memphis police officer killed in shootout

The Memphis Grizzlies held a moment of silence prior to Friday's game against the Lakers for Joseph McKinney, the Memphis Police Department officer who was killed in a shootout in the early morning hours Friday.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Memphis Police Department said officers were called to the scene of a "suspicious vehicle" at Horn Lake Road at about 2 a.m. Friday. As they approached the vehicle, the department said the officers were shot at, who "returned fire." Three officers, including McKinney, as well as the two people believed to be in the vehicle, were shot, MPD said.

All five people were taken to Regional One Hospital. An 18-year-old believed by police to be part of the shooting died at the hospital, interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis said Friday morning.

The second police officer injured has been upgraded to non-critical condition, and the third officer was grazed by a bullet. The second suspect, a 17-year-old, remains in the hospital but his condition is unknown.

Officials from across Tennessee reacted to the news on Friday.

"We, the Memphis City Council, are deeply saddened by the act of violence that took place last night, resulting in the shooting of two MPD officers, and the death of one officer, Officer Joseph McKinney," the Memphis City Council said in a statement. "We stand alongside the people of Memphis and offer our thoughts and prayers for the recovery of those injured, and express our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones that Officer McKinney leaves behind."

The Grizzlies hosted the Lakers on Friday night in the penultimate game of the season for both teams.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies hold moment of silence for MPD officer killed in shootout

Advertisement