Viral Video Sparks Outrage After U.S. Marshal Seen Kicking Dog During Memphis Arrest

A video circulating on social media appears to show a U.S. marshal kicking a small dog during an arrest operation in Memphis, prompting public backlash and an official response from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

The woman who shared the video with WREG described the incident as “unacceptable,” stating that “power doesn’t excuse abuse.” According to her account, officers were arresting a man on an outstanding warrant when the 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, who confirmed the animal suffered a broken rib.

U.S. Marshals Respond

The U.S. Marshals Service acknowledged the incident and released a detailed statement addressing the viral video.

According to USMS, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Feb. 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.

The suspect, Jaquize Henderson, was wanted in connection with a commercial burglary in north Mississippi, officials said.

During the arrest, USMS stated that a dog from one of the apartments got loose and “tried repeatedly and aggressively to attack the working K9.” Authorities said the dog’s owner was instructed to restrain the animal but did not do so.

Yoshi and Emma

A deputy U.S. marshal then stepped in to block the dog from reaching the K9.

While acknowledging that the cellphone video shows an upsetting 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 read. “An uncontrolled, aggressive animal can hinder official duties and threaten safety.”

Leash Law Cited

USMS also pointed to Memphis leash laws, which require dogs to be restrained at all times. Under city regulations, dogs must be on a leash when off their owner’s property and properly secured when on private property.

Ongoing Scrutiny

The video, which is only a few seconds long, has continued to draw strong reactions online, with many calling for accountability and further investigation.

WREG confirmed it has reached out to the Memphis Safe Task Force for additional comment as the situation remains under public scrutiny.