MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The shooting in Downtown Memphis that killed Myneishia Johnson and injured two others hurts for many.
“The fact that it was a young person I think makes it even more troubling,” Terence Patterson said.
The head of the Downtown Memphis Commission is speaking out after concerns about safety in the heart of the city.
“It does. It affects the perception, and all we can do is say we don’t tolerate these types of acts and events in our downtown,” Patterson explained. “We’re going to do everything we can to makes sure downtown remains safe.”
WREG spoke with the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau hours after the shots were fired.
Kevin Kane said business owners were concerned the killing occurred in the entertainment district and close to Beale Street.
“We want downtown to be an environment where everyone feels welcomed and people feel very safe,” Kane said.
Businesses are working on recommendations to give police and the DMC that may include closing Beale Street down early.
The DMC is interested in hearing more about the recommendations if it would help prevent something like this from happening again.
“It’s just unfortunate and tragic,” Patterson said. “There was a personal hurt when this happene, and so it also gave me a renewed strength to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to make sure that all patrons are safe when they come to Downtown Memphis.”