NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Perry informed Tennesseans that the State Capitol will be protected ahead of planned protests.
THP and MNPD released the following video on social media Friday.
The MNPD & THP urge Nashvillians to enjoy the upcoming weekend and inauguration week as normal, while being mindful of the POTENTIAL for demonstrations in the area of the State Capitol Sunday thru inauguration day. Here is a message from Chief Drake & Col Matt Perry. pic.twitter.com/6m2SwoxChI
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) January 15, 2021
They urged people to be mindful this weekend, saying that there has been a report of a protest planned Sunday at the Capitol ahead of the Presidential Inauguration. However, they say the source of that report has not been identified.
Chief Drake said the department is not aware of any threat to downtown or the Capitol, but officers and THP troopers have already placed barriers around the Capitol in anticipation of a possible demonstration.
Some businesses and services have decided to remain closed during portions of the protest, including at least one East Nashville bookstore and the Nashville Public Library, which said its curbside service and computer reservations would be suspended on Sunday.
