Memphis Mayor Paul Young had a close encounter with potential violence Monday night when he was approached aggressively by an intoxicated man as he left an East Memphis steakhouse. According to reports, 36-year-old James Banks was involved in an altercation with Mayor Young outside of Folk's Folly Prime Steak House, leading to his arrest.

Mayor Young was leaving the establishment when Banks reportedly grabbed him and attempted to force his way into the mayor's car. "Security with the mayor was able to stop Banks from getting inside of the car and Mayor Young was removed from the scene," confirmed officials, as FOX13 Memphis reported. The mayor's security detail swiftly prevented an escalation of the confrontation, effectively ensuring his safety.

The Memphis Police Department indicated they arrived on the scene just before 10 p.m. after the mayor had been taken to safety. They found Banks, inebriated and causing a scene, refusing to vacate the premises. "His belligerent shouting drew a huge crowd," a Memphis police spokesperson stated. This disruption led to the increased presence of law enforcement and Banks' subsequent arrest and banishment from the popular steakhouse.

Banks is facing charges related to the disturbance. As provided in his mugshot released by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, he appears disheveled, reflecting the gravity of the events stood witness by patrons and staff at the restaurant. Additional details surrounding the incident and Banks' motives remain unclear. However, an account obtained by Action News 5 also highlights that Banks had contended that he couldn't drive due to his impairment, a factor that possibly exacerbated the encounter's volatility.

In the wake of the incident, the mayor's office has yet to release an official statement detailing Mayor Young's experience. Nonetheless, the situation highlights the security challenges faced by public figures and the unforeseen dangers lurking even in settings of assumed tranquility. Further reporting by Local Memphis alluded to the incident as a near assault, underscoring the potential severity had Mayor Young's security detail not intervened promptly.