Mayor declares state of civil emergency following protests in Nashville, National Guard mobilized

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMC/WSMV) - Nashville Mayor John Cooper has declared a state of civil emergency following raging protests against police brutality Saturday evening.

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Cooper has also set a 10 p.m. curfew for the city.

I have signed Executive Order No. 9, declaring a state of civil emergency.
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) May 31, 2020

Cooper was in attendance at the Saturday afternoon rally and said it was peaceful in nature while encouraging social distancing and the use of masks due to the coronavirus.

But as the evening went on, WSMV News 4 has reported damage to buildings and officers were attacked in Downtown Nashville. The Edward Carmack statue was also knocked over at the State Capitol, according to State Rep. Jason Zachary.

Our @TNHighwayPatrol are risking their lives to protect our State Capitol from the criminals and vandals who are trashing Nashville.
Please join me in praying for these men and women. I’m with them every week and they are true public servants. pic.twitter.com/33WuHl5AhY
— Rep. Jason Zachary (@JasonZacharyTN) May 31, 2020

A fire started in the Metro Nashville Courthouse as well.

BREAKING: A fire has started inside the Metro Nashville Courthouse as protests continue in downtown Nashville this evening. We continue to have live coverage on air and on the News 4 app. https://t.co/vuetXt2BPd pic.twitter.com/ufbkmqFBAo
— WSMV News4 Nashville (@WSMV) May 31, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has authorized the National Guard to mobilize in response to Nashville protests saying the protests have taken a violent turn.

The threat to both peace and property is unacceptable and we will work with local law enforcement and community leaders to restore safety and order. This is not a reflection of our state or the fundamental American right to peaceful protest.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 31, 2020

Protests have sparked across the nation following the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd after he died while in police custody Monday

This week video surfaced of Floyd pinned to the ground with an officer kneeling on his neck. Floyd can be heard repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe.”

Demonstrators are calling for judicial change regarding police brutality against African Americans not only in Floyd’s case but hundreds of others including Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, which have also sparked public outcry.

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