Tennessee politicos react to upheaval

 

Here’s how some elected officials reacted to statewide protests that included clashes with police, vandalism, and fires.

Violence and vandalism that occurred this weekend tears at the fabric of our community and stands in stark contrast to effective, peaceful protests that are foundational to our country.

— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 31, 2020

Looting and burning the courthouse by a few dishonors the peaceful protest of thousands against racial discrimination and police brutality. @GovBillLee and @JohnCooper4Nash are right to call on the National Guard to restore order and allow Nashville to heal and rebuild.

— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) May 31, 2020

My heart breaks after seeing initially peaceful protests turn violent.

Protestors who are peacefully exercising their first amendment right should be allowed to be heard.@CDAustinGarrett @ChiefDavidRoddy @ChattanoogaPD @hcsotn have shown incredible leadership.

— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) May 31, 2020

America will not standby as Antifa and other terrorists burn our cities. The law is coming.

— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) June 1, 2020

Thank you @GovBillLee and our brave men and women in the National Guard for stepping up to deal with Nashville’s crisis.
We cannot have lawlessness, looting, and rioting. We must stand against Antifa and all violence.

— Dr. Manny For Senate (@DrMannySenate) May 31, 2020

We must come together once again, as we have in the aftermath of the deadly storms & in the wake of COVID. Together, we can share love and denounce racism. Together, with God’s strength, we can overcome anything.

— Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) May 31, 2020

3 hours of scrubbing, Dove, a brush, encouraging honks, volunteers bringing water and food and some good conversations- I left your Tennessee State Capitol a little better than it was. Thanks to @TNHighwayPatrol for allowing me to clean this historic marker. pic.twitter.com/JqZJLKja3E

— Jason Powell (@JasonLPowell) May 31, 2020

What is happening in Nashville is a descent into madness. This is not who we are. The outside agitators responsible for this mayhem should cease, desist and leave our state. The police are not perfect. Those who transgress against our citizens should be brought to justice. https://t.co/JwjL8oqPdz

— Randy McNally (@ltgovmcnally) May 31, 2020

What began as a peaceful and effective protest has turned into organized lawless destruction by a group of individuals with complete disregard for personal property and the safety of others.

— Speaker Cameron Sexton (@CSexton25) May 31, 2020

I’m tired of everyone blaming this group or that group for the riots. Why don’t we blame the dirtbag throwing the brick or the fire bomb.

— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) May 31, 2020

We’ve been taught of America’s greatness, but that’s not been true for everyone. African Americans, for the most part, have not shared in America’s greatness, nor its progress, even as their labor has helped build our nation. That has to change. #BlackLivesMatter #Memphis pic.twitter.com/BLmFdUqH5o

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) June 1, 2020