Activist Justin Jones led a group of protesters in trying to force their way into the State Capitol building Monday.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol blocked their way, NewsChannel 5 reported. One woman was detained. They were told they could not enter due to COVID-19 precautions.
State Rep. Mike Stewart (D-TN-52) invited some of them to come inside as his guests. They demanded the woman be released first.
WPLN reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán tweeted, “HAPPENING NOW: Group of 70+ people lead by @brotherjones_ is trying to make its way into the Tennessee Capitol. Troopers blocking the entrance. Now they are moving to a side entrance. @WPLN”.
HAPPENING NOW: Group of 70+ people lead by @brotherjones_ is trying to make its way into the Tennessee Capitol. Troopers blocking the entrance.
Now they are moving to a side entrance. @WPLN pic.twitter.com/zDJdGE434q
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) June 15, 2020
Nashville Post and Nashville Scene reporter Stephen Elliott tweeted, “First they said they couldn’t come in because COVID, then they said a few of them could come in (as House leaders have allowed all session) and now this, a third explanation”.
HAPPENING NOW: Group of 70+ people lead by @brotherjones_ is trying to make its way into the Tennessee Capitol. Troopers blocking the entrance.
Now they are moving to a side entrance. @WPLN pic.twitter.com/zDJdGE434q
— Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (@SergioMarBel) June 15, 2020
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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
Image “Protesters Attempt to Enter Capitol Grounds” by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán.
…you spent a beautiful weekend debasing law-enforcement officers.
Big Crowd… Huh….
Time for the governor to step to the plate – start arresting these agitators
Turn the dogs loose on this scummy trash. Open a can of whoop ass. Its time they go to the hospital or to jail. Enough of this trash Justin Jones, the little twerp, is enough. Send him back to California the land of fruits and nuts, where he belongs.
Let’s hold the line trooper’s, we appreciate what you are doing. Peaceful protests are one thing…Rioting and attempting to occupy and control public areas are another.