At the corner at a Butler Street is a newish-looking white brick fire station. Police were reported to have chased a late-model blue or white car through Memphis and north to Millington. A civilian in another car that had a citizens band radio was also reported to have pursued the fleeing car and to have opened fire on it. The police first cordoned off an area of about five blocks around the Lorraine Motel, chosen by Dr. King for his stay here because it is Negro-owned. Mayor Henry Loeb had ordered a curfew here after last week's disorder, and National Guard units had been on duty for five days until they were deactivated Wednesday.
All movement is restricted except for health or emergency reasons.
I do so again tonight in the face of this most regrettable incident. Every possible action is being taken to apprehend the person or persons responsible for committing this act. We are also taking precautionary steps to prevent any acts of disorder. I can fully appreciate the feelings and emotions which this crime has aroused, but for the benefit of everyone, all of our citizens must exercise restraint, caution and good judgment. National Guard planes flew over the state to bring in contingents of riot-trained highway patrolmen.