MEMPHIS TENNESSEE, a video circulating on social media appears to show a U.S. marshal kicking a small dog during an arrest operation, prompting public backlash and an official response from the U.S. Marshals Service.
The woman who shared the video with WREG described the incident as “unacceptable,” saying that “power doesn’t excuse abuse.” According to her account, officers were arresting a man on an outstanding warrant when a dog ran out of an apartment and began moving around the area before being kicked.
She told WREG the dog was later taken to a veterinarian, where it was determined the animal suffered a broken rib.
The U.S. Marshals Service acknowledged the incident and released a detailed statement addressing the widely shared video.
According to USMS, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. on February 4, 2026, when members of the Memphis Safe Task Force, accompanied by a working K9, were serving an arrest warrant at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Raines Road.
Officials said the suspect, identified as Jaquize Henderson, was wanted in connection with a commercial burglary in north Mississippi.
During the arrest, USMS stated that a dog from one of the apartments got loose and repeatedly attempted to attack the working K9. Authorities said the dog’s owner was instructed to restrain the animal but did not comply.
A deputy U.S. marshal then intervened to prevent the dog from reaching the K9. While acknowledging that the cellphone footage shows a distressing moment, USMS said the marshal’s actions were not malicious.
“The deputy marshal’s action was a last-resort, split-second decision taken to control the environment and mitigate a dangerous situation,” the statement said. “An uncontrolled, aggressive animal can hinder official duties and threaten safety.”
USMS also referenced Memphis leash laws, which require dogs to be restrained at all times. City regulations state that dogs must be on a leash when off their owner’s property and properly secured when on private property.
The brief video continues to generate strong reactions online, with many calling for accountability and further review of the incident.
WREG said it has reached out to the Memphis Safe Task Force for additional comment as the situation remains under ongoing public scrutiny.
