Tucker Carlson Thursday night ripped Tennessee’s governor for what he sees as soft-on-crime policies in the wake of a murderous rampage that left four dead in Memphis.
“So this happened in a city that is collapsing due to violence,” Carlson said on his show “Tucker Carlson Tonight.” “Memphis set an all time record for homicides last year. Earlier this week, a woman called Eliza Fletcher, as you know, was kidnapped and murdered while she was out for a jog in her neighborhood. Her killer had just gotten out of jail on a kidnapping charge. He was let out years early. So, he got out and committed the same crime, this time with murder.”
“So, why is this happening?” Carlson asked rhetorically. “Well, there are a number of reasons. Here’s one: the governor of Tennessee – believe it or not is a Republican – called Bill Lee ran on a platform of criminal justice reform. That means letting violent people out of prison early. In pursuit of that effort he recently declined to endorse a so-called ‘truth in sentencing’ bill which would have required people convicted of violent crimes to serve their sentences. As Lee said last year, quote, ‘There are too many people in prison who don’t need to be there.'”
Carlson later referred to the Republican governor as a “liberal.”
The “truth in sentencing” bill ended up becoming law without Lee’s signature in May. It took effect on July 1.
“Similar legislation has been enacted before and resulted in significant operational and financial strain, with no reduction in crime,” Lee said in a letter to House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) at the time. “Widespread evidence suggests that this policy will result in more victims, higher recidivism, increased crime and prison overcrowding, all with an increased cost to taxpayers.”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, a Democrat, broke with Lee and many members of his party in supporting the legislation.
Lee on Friday took a hardline stance against crime, saying that crime prevention is his top priority, and that violent offenders will be held accountable.
“Memphis has seen the face of evil. Innocent lives have been taken & violent criminals will be held accountable,” he said. This is why Proven Crime Prevention is our top priority. Law enforcement has our full support, & we’ve stiffened penalties & supervision for violent offenders.”
Lee’s office could not be reached Friday for comment.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tucker Carlson” by Tucker Carlson Tonight. Photo “Bill Lee” by Gov. Bill Lee. Background Photo “Memphis Skyline” by Thomas R Machnitzki. CC BY 3.0.
