NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — All eyes were on Nashville after a downtown explosion early Christmas morning rattled the city and left local businesses and residents devastated.
Government officials, celebrities and organizations shared their condolences and thoughts:
The White House released a statement:
“President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured.”
President-Elect Biden was also informed of the situation:
"President-elect Biden has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee. The president-elect and Dr. Biden thank all the first responders working today in response to the incident, and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery."
Mayor John Cooper walked through the scene on 2nd Avenue, sharing in a press conference that at least 41 businesses faced damage and three people were taken to the hospital. All are in stable condition. Cooper issued an emergency order Friday night, which includes a 4:30 p.m. curfew to last through Sunday.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities. MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic. Be safe Nashville. Thank you to our emergency personnel for your quick response.
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) December 25, 2020
Governor Bill Lee:
We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 25, 2020
Senator Marsha Blackburn:
Thank you, @MNPDNashville, for your life saving actions this morning. These officers are true professionals that put their lives on the line to save innocent civilians. #ThinBlueLine
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) December 25, 2020
Senator Bill Hagerty:
Thank you to our brave police officers and first responders for continuing to keep our Nashville community safe. We are grateful for your service and dedication.
— Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) December 25, 2020
Representative Jim Cooper:
Praying for all residents of downtown Nashville on this Christmas Day.
— Jim Cooper (@repjimcooper) December 25, 2020
State Senator Brenda Gilmore:
Prayers for all who live in downtown Nashville and thank you to the first responders for serving and protecting our beloved Music City.
— Senator Brenda Gilmore (@SenatorGilmore) December 25, 2020
Metro Council member Freddie O'Connell:
What I can tell you: Nashville’s first responders are responding to a difficult, dangerous situation with limitless courage.
— Freddie #StayHome O’Connell (@freddieoconnell) December 25, 2020
And dozens of my constituents just lost their homes in 19° weather.
We will work together to get through this and rebuild.
Nashville Fire Department:
Thank You to Our NFD & @NashvilleEOC Personnel who ran into the heart of Christmas' bombing to help save lives. Thank you for ALWAYS answering the call! #NFDProud #NashvilleStrong #OEMProud pic.twitter.com/6XLlIo4XPb
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 26, 2020
Nashville Electric Service:
Another crisis in our beloved hometown but our 1st responders never waiver. Thoughts and prayers go to those impacted by this morning's explosion and our deepest gratitude to those who run toward danger to help those in need. #NashvilleExplosion #TennesseeTough #NashvilleStrong pic.twitter.com/lgG69ZLu33
— Nashville Electric Service (@NESpower) December 25, 2020
The Tennessee Titans:
Praying for our city and the first responders on the scene of the explosion this morning.
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 25, 2020
Nashville has been through a lot this year. We'll bounce back together, stronger and tougher. #TennesseeTough
The Nashville Predators:
Thank you to the first responders and everyone helping our downtown friends and neighbors this morning. #NashvilleStrong
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) December 25, 2020
Nashville SC:
Our thoughts are with those affected by the explosion in Downtown Nashville this morning and with the first responders working tirelessly to keep our city safe.
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) December 25, 2020
Now more than ever, #NGUOY 💛
The Ryman Auditorium, which is located just three blocks from where the explosion occurred.
We are heartbroken for our neighbors whose homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed. We want to thank all of the first responders who are working to keep all of us in Nashville safe today and every day.
— Ryman Auditorium (@theryman) December 25, 2020
Singer Tim McGraw:
Trying to find the words….but this is a tough one. Yesterday, on Christmas Morning, the world watched as Nashville was hit by another tragedy. It’s been a year….but we will rise again. pic.twitter.com/czrtTTuwzb
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) December 26, 2020
Band Old Dominion:
Thank you to all of the first responders and brave people who have been working to keep our neighbors safe. A strange and scary Christmas for sure...but still, Merry Christmas. Wishing you all peace. ✌️ #Nashville pic.twitter.com/RYiltD8S1K
— Old Dominion (@OldDominion) December 25, 2020
