An officer is fighting for his life after a crash during Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade in Maryville, Tennessee. Officer FTO Justin Brown was seriously hurt when his motorcycle collided with a Tennessee Highway Patrol SUV Friday evening.
The crash happened at 6:11 p.m., shortly after Vance arrived at McGhee Tyson National Guard Base for a fundraising event. Brown was part of the team protecting the vice president when the accident occurred.
Citizens nearby rushed to help. They gave Brown first aid before paramedics from American Medical Response took him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Police Chief Tony Jay Crisp praised the quick actions.
“To those individuals whose quick response saved FTO Brown’s life last night, we could never thank you enough. You are true heroes,” Crisp said.
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Brown had surgery Saturday morning and remains in critical condition. Chief Crisp also thanked the public for their support and prayers.
“We are grateful for each and every one and appreciate the prayers and support from all over the state. Our hearts and prayers also go out to the trooper involved in the crash,” Crisp said.
He added, “The Maryville Police Department extends our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us through this situation. Please continue to keep FTO Brown, his family, his medical team in your prayers. We know they are working.”
The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the crash. So far, no details have been released about what caused the collision.
Vance has not commented on the accident. Sources confirmed he had arrived in the area just before the crash and was attending a fundraising event.
Critics were quick to respond online. One wrote, “How can someone have even less social skills than Trump? Vance: hold my beer.”
Others noted the irony of his public persona. “Vance was an atheist who recently converted to Catholicism. A much easier religion to pretend to be than jumping into being an evangelical,” one comment said.
The timing was awkward, coming a day after Vance appeared on Fox News’ Hannity to discuss a possible run for president.
“I try to put it out of my head and remind myself the American people elected me to do a job right now,” Vance said during the interview. “I’m going to sit down with the president of the United States and talk to him about it.”
Vance also said he would consider conversations about running for president after the 2026 midterms.
Featured image via X screengrab
