Protesters in Tennessee’s capital have set fires inside and outside a courthouse and toppled a statue of a former state lawmaker and newspaper publisher who espoused racist views. It began as a peaceful protest on Saturday afternoon. But then the event took a violent turn and Nashville Mayor John Cooper declared a state of civil emergency after protesters set a fire inside Metro Courthouse. Demonstrators also made their way down Broadway Street, known for its plentiful honky tonks, as well as the historic Ryman Auditorium – known as the mother church of country music. A few small fires were lit near the national historic landmark, but those were extinguished. As of 2 am Sunday, at least 30 businesses and buildings in downtown Music City had been damaged by graffiti, broken windows and stolen merchandise. Twenty-eight people were arrested or cited with a variety of charges including assault on an officer, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, criminal trespass, burglary, breaking curfew, possession of a handgun and public intoxication. Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced an 8 p.m. curfew for Davidson County on Sunday night, which will be in effect until 6 a.m. Monday, WTVF reports.
8pm Curfew In Nashville Sunday night after protesters set fires, break windows, vandalize, steal merchandise
May 31, 2020 | 5:00 AM