MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A video that appears to show a man armed with a gun inside the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center is now circulating all over social media.

The sheriff’s office says if there was, in fact, a man inside the facility with a real gun, his reckless actions are a violation of the law, endangering those in the building and community.

They said a criminal and internal investigation was launched about the matter.

“Let us be absolutely clear, sneaking a firearm into a secure facility and broadcasting it on social media is a very serious threat to public safety. It is illegal and will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Floyd Bonner.

“When I first saw the video, my biggest concern was the safety of my staff. General Sessions is the largest court in Tennessee, with almost 200 employees and majority of them work right here at 201 Poplar,” said Tami Sawyer, Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk.

Sawyer told WREG that people who enter the CJC and the Shelby County Courthouse can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence.

She says the Sheriff’s Office told staff members about the incident today and assured them that public safety is their biggest priority.

As we wait for answers in this investigation, elected officials are also talking about the role mental health plays in Memphis crime.

“If we focus on mental health, if we focus on affordable housing, if we focus on bringing good jobs to Memphis. If we focus on feeding our kids, making sure parents know that they can read and write, then all of those things together are going to make the Memphis that we want to brag about,” said TN Rep. London Lamar (D-Memphis).

“I understand the frustration, and I don’t understand the violence. And so, I think it is important that we explore, you know, increasing mental health treatment in not just the courts, but in the community,” said Sawyer.

Deputies say they are exploring several leads at this time and will employ every legal resource and enforcement measure.

There are already security measures in place, such as metal detectors and law enforcement officers inside the building, which is why there are questions about how a gun was possibly entered inside.

WREG reached out to Judge Renfroe, who oversees Shelby County’s Mental Health Court.

She acknowledged that the incident is under investigation and went on to say, “At this time, the Judiciary cannot make comments on the matter, because it could be an individual who ends up in General Sessions Court, so they must ethically do what’s right and ethical in dispensing justice.”

“This case is currently under investigation. Authorities are diligently searching for individuals who may or may have not had guns at the Criminal Justice Center. At this time, the Judiciary cannot make comments on the matter, because it could be an individual who ends up in General Sessions Court, so they must ethically do what’s right and ethical in dispensing justice,” said Judge Renfroe.

When we find out more information from investigators, we will update you.