Memphis Mayor Faces Attempted Kidnapping After Praising City’s Safety

Memphis Mayor Paul Young recently highlighted the city’s improving safety, claiming a “declining crime rate” as evidence, just days before an alarming incident occurred. Local authorities reported that Young was “stalked and nearly kidnapped” by 25-year-old Trenton Abston.

Before the attempted kidnapping, Young had responded to ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith’s comments about NBA players hesitating to join the Memphis Grizzlies due to safety concerns. Smith described Memphis as a great sports town but noted that players like Jimmy Butler might feel unsafe there. He urged local authorities to improve safety if they want to attract more players.

“I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You’ve got to clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players,” Smith said.

Young countered by saying, “Stephen called us a great sports town – facts. Best fans in sports? True. But what he is missing is that crime is down significantly in 2024 and 2025. Memphis is rising, and we’ve got the numbers and the heart to prove it.”

Despite his optimistic view, Young’s home was targeted by Abston, who has been charged with stalking, attempted kidnapping, and aggravated criminal trespass. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Abston scaling a wall into Young’s neighborhood and approaching his home around 9:30 PM on a Sunday night, knocking with gloves on and appearing nervous.

He fled before anyone answered, but was soon caught by authorities. In his vehicle, police found items like a taser, gloves, duct tape, and rope, indicating a premeditated plan for kidnapping.

“We understand the concerns raised by this incident and want to reassure the public that the Memphis Police Department remains fully committed to the safety of all residents, including our city’s elected officials,” the department stated. They emphasized their commitment to addressing potential threats seriously.

According to a local news affiliate, Abston had located Young’s address online and acknowledged his intentions of confronting the mayor. He reportedly expressed anger towards Young and mentioned being armed during the incident.

BREAKING NEWS: Two people were shot and killed this afternoon in Soulsville — in broad daylight. A suspect is in custody. It happened in front of the Rox Memphis Climbing Center. Again, we are obligated to announce that Mayor Paul Young says Memphis is one of the safest cities…

Such events raise questions about safety in the city, even as officials attempt to reassure the public.