Memphis Mayor’s Near-Kidnapping Casts Shadow on City’s Safety Claims

In a twist that could only happen in Memphis, Mayor Paul Young was nearly the victim of a kidnapping plot just days before he took to social media to boast about the city’s declining crime rates. Trenton Abston, a 25-year-old local, was arrested Wednesday, charged with attempted kidnapping, stalking, and aggravated criminal trespass, according to the Memphis Police Department. Talk about timing that raises eyebrows.

Security footage captured Abston scaling the wall of Young’s neighborhood and creeping toward the mayor’s home, armed with a TASER, gloves, rope, and duct tape—items that scream more 'crime thriller' than 'city safety.' Thanks to swift police work and sharp-eyed cameras, Abston was nabbed before any harm was done. The Memphis PD emphasized their commitment to protecting all residents, including elected officials, stating, “We take any potential threat seriously and will continue to act swiftly and thoroughly.”

This incident comes hot on the heels of Young’s defense of Memphis against sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, who claimed on ESPN’s First Take that NBA players, like Jimmy Butler, avoid the city due to safety concerns. Smith’s comments sparked a firestorm, with Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant clapping back on X, calling out the analyst’s sources and redirecting focus to standout NBA performances. Young, ever the optimist, doubled down, tweeting that crime in Memphis is “down significantly in 2024 and 2025,” while inviting Smith for a visit to see the city’s vibrant heart.

Yet, as Abston sits in a Shelby County jail—bond still pending—the irony of a near-kidnapping attempt looms large over Young’s claims. Memphis, a city with grit and soul, continues to wrestle with its reputation while striving for progress. One thing’s clear: the narrative of safety is a tough sell when the mayor himself becomes a target.