Thousands of Beyoncé fans headed into downtown Nashville for her highly anticipated concert in Music City.
The concert was originally scheduled for May but was postponed until Sunday night.
Nashville’s Nissan Stadium was the latest stop on her "Formation World Tour."
Beyoncé and Nashville shared national headlines after her performance in Super Bowl 50, when a local lodge of the Fraternal order of Police encouraged officers not to volunteer to work security at the concert.
“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.
Those with the Board of FOP Lodge 5 said they opposed Beyonce’s apparent 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."
Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson issued the following response several months ago:
"Public safety requires that the police department staff major special events in Nashville. A routine Special Events staffing notice for Beyonce's (October 2) 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."
Embattled Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold questioned whether shots fired on his house in February were a response to the Super Bowl performance.
In a press conference, Arnold questioned if the incident was a result of attacks on law enforcement officials that has seen several deputies killed across the nation.
“With everything that’s happened since the Super Bowl,” he said. When asked to clarify, he added, “You know, Beyoncé’s video.”
