NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers removed all of demonstrators' gathered and donated supplies from the protest area at Legislative Plaza.
It was a set up. Troopers stormed the plaza and took everything throwing it in a truck. Taking clothing, medication, food, and personal items. Pushing people back and assaulting those who tried to save their belongings. @GovBillLee this is madness. #FreeCapitolHillTN pic.twitter.com/Q3JDNLGHhJ
— Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) June 23, 2020
Witnesses say THP troopers left their post near the steps immediately in front of Charlotte Avenue, which protestors took as an invitation to move closer to the barricade in front of the Capitol.
When troopers asked protesters to return across the street, protesters reportedly hesitated but did reluctantly retreat across the street. Around lunch, a large truck arrived and troopers began removing everything from the area including personal belongings.
Demonstrators said one person was treated for injuries as they struggled to get their belongings back. THP officials say an allegation that a Trooper assaulted three protesters is false.
After everything was taken, word spread on social media, prompting other demonstrators and activists to bring even more supplies than there was before. Organizer Justin Jones said if anything, the incident has reenergized their movement and they have no plans on moving.
THP officials say they had reached an agreement with the group, allowing them to have two tents in an area where camping materials are not permitted. But they say more than two had been raised overnight.
Troopers had to return medicine that was taken in the initial removal.
UPDATE: State troopers apparently returning someone’s medicine..@NC5 pic.twitter.com/KeeDC0PdJj
— Levi Ismail (@LeviAIsmail) June 23, 2020
Tennessee Highway Patrol officials released the following statement explaining why they removed all the items.
"The Tennessee Highway Patrol has worked diligently to allow protesters to exercise their first amendment rights while following Tennessee law these past couple of weeks. On the evening of June 16, General Services Deputy Commissioner John Hull informed the protestors of TCA 39-14-414. The protestors were at Legislative Plaza, where tents and other camping materials are not permitted.
THP recently negotiated an agreement with the leadership of the protest group. Yesterday an agreement was made for the protesters to peacefully protest with two tents (to protect them from the elements) on the Legislative Plaza. Overnight the protesters violated the agreement and moved in several additional tents and tarps along with countless other items into the Plaza. This morning troopers informed the protesters that they were violating TCA 39-14-414. Troopers informed the protesters to remove their belongings, which they did. The group later set the tents back up and brought more tents and tarps into the Legislative Plaza. This evening troopers once again addressed the protesters and read them the TCA 39-14-414 and then removed the unauthorized items. The items consisted of wood pallet signs, tarps, tents, sleeping bags, chairs and bags of clothing. No citations were issued and no one was arrested."
According to state law, the following items are considered to be in violation of the law:
"Any items associated with camping in violation of this section, including tents, portable toilets, sleeping bags, tarps, stakes, ropes, blankets, propane heaters, cooking equipment and generators, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture by the appropriate state officials authorized to maintain and protect the land on which the camping equipment is found or other officials whose duties include enforcement of this section."
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security also released a statement on Tuesday's incident.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has worked diligently to allow protesters to exercise their first amendment rights while following Tennessee law these past couple of weeks. On the evening of June 16, General Services Deputy Commissioner John Hull informed the protestors of TCA 39-14-414. The protestors were at Legislative Plaza, where tents and other camping materials are not permitted.
THP recently negotiated an agreement with the leadership of the protest group. Yesterday an agreement was made for the protestors to peacefully protest with two tents (to protect them from the elements) on the Legislative Plaza. Overnight the protestors violated the agreement and moved several additional tents and tarps along with countless other items into the Plaza. This morning troopers informed the protestors that they were violating TCA 39-14-414. Troopers informed the protestors to remove their belongings, which they did. The group later set the tents back up and brought more tents and tarps into the Legislative Plaza. This evening, troopers once again addressed the protestors and read them TCA 39-14-414 and then removed the unauthorized items. The items consisted of wood pallet signs, tarps, tents, sleeping bags, chairs and bags of clothing. No citations were issued and no one was arrested.
Today, an allegation was made that a Trooper assaulted three protestors on Legislative Plaza. That allegation is false and is completely fabricated to fit the narrative of the protestors. Our troopers have performed admirably throughout the entirety of the protest events and have conducted themselves as true professionals while subjected to verbal abuse and completely unreasonable conduct such as threats to our Troopers’ families. Our Troopers are paid and are expected to endure the verbal abuse perpetrated by the protestors, however the conduct of the protestors today crossed the line and is in no way peaceful.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol supports the rights of every citizen to protest and exercise their constitutional rights peacefully. The illegal actions perpetrated by a few will be recognized and dealt with accordingly.
Tuesday marks the eleventh day protesters have been at Legislative Plaza. They say they want either an audience with the governor to talk about police brutality or the removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust from the Capitol. If neither of those demands is met, they say they will not leave.
