A local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police has encouraged officers to not volunteer to work the upcoming Beyonce concert in Music City.
Those with the Andrew Jackson Lodge of the FOP said the message comes after the singer referenced the Black Panther movement during her half-time show performance for Super Bowl 50.
“We ask officers to refuse to support the efforts of artists who promote a false narrative of law enforcement attacks on black citizens,” said Sergeant Danny Hale, President of the Nashville FOP.
After her performance, Beyonce announced her tour dates, including a stop in Nashville. Those with the Board of FOP Lodge 5 said they oppose Beyonce’s message against police.
“The Black Panther movement promoted targeting, attacking and killing law enforcement officers,” said Sergeant Hale. “All lives matter, including law enforcement officers and citizens; no matter their race."
NewsChannel 5's Emily Luxen took to Facebook to duscuss the topic.
NC5_EmilyLuxen talks about a request put out by the Fraternal Order of Police for officers to not volunteer to work security at the Beyoncé concert May 5 at Nissan Stadium.What are your thoughts?
Posted by NewsChannel5.com on Friday, February 19, 2016
According to Officer Down Page, 15 deaths happened due to the Black Panther Movement and its members, including Metro Nashville Officers Thomas Johnson and Charles Thomasson.
Sergeant Hale stressed that he is not asking officers to boycott the event, but instead, not volunteer to work.
“We know the officers will be mandated to work this event,” Sergeant Hale said. “ We will do our sworn duty to protect, even those who support lawless attacks on us, this is what we do.”
Friday, Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson issued the following response:
"Public safety requires that the police department staff major special events in Nashville. A routine Special Events staffing notice for Beyonce's May 5 concert was sent out to officers today. The traffic plan for Nissan Stadium and the surrounding area requires approximately 88 officers. Those interested in working this assignment have until the close of business on April 15 to respond. As always, if there is not an adequate number of volunteers, some officers will be mandated to fill vacancies. This concert is scheduled for a weeknight. MNPD officers working traffic plan assignments will be tasked with managing the flow of vehicles leaving downtown during rush hour, as well as those coming into downtown for the concert. The public safety/public service mission of the police department must rise above anyone’s personal views concerning a performer."
