ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WTVF) — A local strip mall decided to board up their windows as a preventative measure to deter looters due to the protests.
At first, people were confused as to why boards were being installed to cover windows at the Shoppes at Hickory Hollow.
"Why are they boarding up all these businesses like they’re going out of business or what," Willie Smith said. As Smith found out, they’re trying to keep looters away after Nashville had one night where a protest turned violent. “I mean they hit 36 businesses and the historic courthouse. I mean why! What was their purpose in doing that? What were they thinking?”
One woman who was working in the Nail World said it makes her feel safer knowing her business is boarded up. “I’m not forcing, but I’m offering,” Rami Ismail said. Ismail is with Mishorim Investments manages the Shoppes at Hickory Hollow. He said their goal is for customers and tenants to feel safe. He said when business owners feel comfortable again, they will take the boards down.
“I know it’s sad to see shopping centers like that boarded up and customers less businesses going down but I hope everybody stops... and being one hand and one family," Ismail said.
If a protest pops up in Antioch, Smith hopes they will leave businesses alone. “Instead of being up here and acting crazy about stuff.”
Another protest is planned tomorrow in downtown Nashville. The group is starting at the bells at Bicentennial State Park at 4 p.m. and then they’re marching to the lawn at the Tennessee State Capitol.
