Memphis Mayor's Home Targeted in Attempted Kidnapping

Strategic Insights -

Memphis Mayor Paul Young's family narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping after Trenton Abston, 25, allegedly scaled a wall and knocked on their door. The incident occurred on Sunday night, with Abston reportedly wearing gloves, having a lumpy bulge in his hoodie pocket, and being armed with a Taser. Young's wife and children were at home at the time, and the family has received threats online.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trenton Abston, 25, is facing charges of attempted kidnapping, stalking, and aggravated criminal trespass in connection with the incident.
  • Abston allegedly knocked on the door of Memphis Mayor Paul Young's home, wearing gloves and having a lumpy bulge in his hoodie pocket.
  • The subdivision where Young's family lives has a large exterior wall, a gate, a guard house, security, and video surveillance.
  • Security footage shows Abston scaling a wall and going directly to Young's residence.
  • Abston told police investigators that he waited until Sunday evening to approach Young about crime in the city, saying he was angry at the mayor and armed with a Taser.
  • Online court records do not show if Abston has hired a lawyer, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
  • The incident occurred just one day after the killing of a prominent Minnesota Democratic lawmaker.
  • Memphis Mayor Paul Young has spoken out about the incident, saying it highlights the "link between angry online rhetoric and real-life violence."
  • Young has received threats online and has been advocating for a change in how people talk to and about each other.

Statistics:

  • 25: the age of Trenton Abston, the suspect charged in the attempted kidnapping of Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
  • 1: the day after the killing of a prominent Minnesota Democratic lawmaker that the incident occurred.
  • Sunday: the night when Abston allegedly knocked on the door of Young's home, wearing gloves and armed with a Taser.
  • 1: the time when Abston reportedly jumped a wall leading into the subdivision where Young's family lives.

Sources:

  • AP news wire: "Memphis mayor's home targeted in attempted kidnapping"
  • Associated Press: "Memphis Mayor's Family Narrowly Escapes Attempted Kidnapping by Angry Man"
  • Memphis police affidavit: reviewed by AP News