MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities report that a man was charged with attempting to lure the mayor after he approached the mayor’s residence in a gated neighborhood. This led to his arrest, during which police discovered a taser, gloves, rope, and duct tape in his vehicle.
On Wednesday, Memphis police revealed that 25-year-old Trenton Abston faces aggravated trespassing charges. Mayor Paul Young, a Black Democrat, was at home with his family when Abston knocked on their door Sunday night. Young later mentioned that his doorbell camera recorded the man, who was wearing gloves and had an oddly shaped bulge in his hoodie pocket.
When no one came to the door, Abston fled, but his image was captured on video, according to the arrest affidavit.
This incident occurred just a day after a Minnesota Democratic lawmaker was killed. The suspect in that case allegedly impersonated a police officer and shot former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home near Minneapolis.
As of Friday, online court records did not indicate whether Abston had retained legal counsel. This man, who is Black, is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to clarify if he has hired an attorney.
Abston reportedly told investigators that he was frustrated because he waited until Sunday evening before going to see the mayor, and he was armed with a taser during the visit, according to the affidavit.
During the investigation, police determined that Abston’s vehicle had been spotted near Young’s home multiple times from May to June. The area features tall external walls, gates, guardhouses, security, and video monitoring, according to authorities.
Surveillance footage captured Abston approaching Young’s home directly after crossing the wall. On Tuesday, police identified him using a law enforcement database and confirmed his identity by showing his employer evidence from the incident night. He was taken into custody at work on Wednesday, per the affidavit.
It was noted in the affidavit that “Abston has taken substantial steps towards the lure committee.”
Young remarked that the individual jumped over the wall leading to his property and described his demeanor as “walking straight to our house, wearing gloves, knocking on the door with full pockets, nervous attitude.”
The mayor called on community members to “change the way we talk to each other,” emphasizing that “disagreements should never lead to violence.”
He added, particularly in light of recent events in Minnesota and online threats, that “in today’s climate, none of us can be too careful.” Young expressed concern over the connection between hostile online dialogue and actual acts of violence.
