A radical band of anarchists has descended upon the Tennessee capitol building in Nashville with intentions of creating a Seattle-style autonomous zone. But Gov. Bill Lee said that’s not going to happen.
“We encourage Tennesseans to exercise their First Amendment rights…while also reassuring citizens that lawlessness, autonomous zones, and violence will not be tolerated,” the governor said in a statement.He said state law “will be enforced.”
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In other words, Nashville is not Seattle.
“Radical anarchists are coming to town,” U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn warned on Twitter. “Please watch out. These misfits want to turn our city into Seattle.”Republican Speaker Cameron Sexton said he supports the governor’s hardline position on the anarchists.
“The General Assembly enacted laws after Occupy Nashville making it a Class A misdemeanor to occupy state property. I agree with Governor Lee’s decision to enforce our current laws, and the House is fully prepared to enhance this type of lawlessness to a felony before the 2020 legislative session concludes next week,” said the speaker in his statement.
“Join me in praying for our TN State Troopers, Nashville Metro, and the TN National Guard as they prepare to defend Nashville and the capitol tonight,” former State. Rep. Cody Woods wrote on Twitter.
Nashville — radical anarchists are coming to town. Please watch out. These misfits want to turn our city into Seattle. https://t.co/rZVryoWQl8
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) June 12, 2020
Annnd the first tent it being pitched at Nashville’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone outside the state Capitol. This is a crime in Tennessee, a law enacted after Occupy.
The protesters say they’re staying the night. Governor has said that ain’t happening. Troopers are nearby. pic.twitter.com/Wl0jsIRFnk
— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) June 12, 2020
Free Capitol Hill Tennessee currently. #FreeCapitolHillTN pic.twitter.com/uvqM5ly5tN
— Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) June 12, 2020
NOW: Protesters are setting up a “Capitol Hill #AutonomousZone” in #Nashville, they say reclaiming the people’s land. This is where protesters took down the Edward Carmack Statue on March 30th. They’ve now “renamed” Legislative Plaza “Ida B Wells Plaza.” @WKRN pic.twitter.com/d883UCtx1K
— Stassy Olmos (@StassyOlmosWKRN) June 12, 2020