GOODMAN, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to the Town of Goodman indefinitely following a viral video showing people waving guns and mocking the absence of police in the town.

DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell and other department leaders flew into Goodman on Thursday to meet with town officials. Tindell said the video drew the attention of both himself and Gov. Tate Reeves.

“We felt like there needed to be a presence of law enforcement in Goodman to send a message,” Tindell said. “That it’s not a town or any town in Mississippi that we’re going to allow lawlessness to prevail.”

Troopers conducting stops, working alongside sheriff’s office

Since Wednesday, troopers have been stopping drivers in downtown Goodman and in neighborhoods. Tindell said the Mississippi Highway Patrol is working alongside the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation.

“It’s more regular law enforcement duties at this point,” Tindell said. “You know, we’re looking at individuals in the video to ask who they were and go from there.”

Tindell said MHP deployments to towns across the state are not uncommon, and include safety checkpoints, driver’s license verifications and insurance verifications.

“So that’s not unusual anywhere on any given day,” Tindell said. “We just happen to be in Goodman because they needed additional help at that time.”

Mayor supports presence; some residents question it

Mayor Michael Howard said he supports MHP’s increased presence in the town. However, resident Keni El questioned whether the deployment was necessary.

“It really doesn’t change anything because if the people they’ve seen on the video are who they came for then that’s who they need to be looking for,” El said. “Because in a way, it’s kind of harassing the people for stupidity of some younglings.”

El said leaders should instead focus on providing resources to mentor young people.

“The youth need to be taught the right knowledge, right wisdom, right understanding,” El said. “But I’m not going to be afraid of no child.”

Tindell said he is unsure how long state troopers will remain in Goodman but will stay in contact with town officials until a departure date is determined.

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