It has to be a challenging time in Nashville right now for anyone responding and having to deal with the bombing there.
BREAKING: Audio warning was being broadcast before explosion rocked downtown Nashville. Video shows moment of blast. pic.twitter.com/3IvciFH6BV
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 25, 2020
You dealing with a lot of damage, at least one person appears to be dead now, three hurt. You’re not sure what the reason for this attack is or what to expect. Even phones, internet and 911 for 180 miles are out because of the damage to the AT&T facility from the bombing right in front of it.
This is on top of an already tough year.
So you have to give that the folks there are handling a lot on Christmas.
But many found the reaction of the Democratic mayor, John Cooper, to be a bit odd as he gave interviews after the blast. Some were very disturbed at him for laughing when talking about the explosion and seeming to treat it in a light manner.
I really didn’t want to get political with the Nashville explosion but the Cooper brothers have to go. Mayor John Cooper is on TV laughing about explosions and Rep. Jim Cooper hasn’t tried to keep our citizens informed on safety today.
Disgusting failures!pic.twitter.com/IS9dUfnOmD
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) December 25, 2020
Some did defend Cooper, saying he was likely nervous. But the entire interview he seemed to be downplaying the damage and the reaction to it all.
Cooper has already come under fire in his city for his virus restrictions which have not endeared him to many.
But with the laughing and the seeming downplaying of the event in the interview in general, he may have added to the dislike.
With the bombing today, he also declared a civil emergency and a curfew in response.
I have signed Executive Order 12 to issue a state of civil emergency proclaimed within the area bounded by James Robertson Parkway, 4th Ave north, Broadway and the Cumberland River. A curfew will start at 4:30pm, Friday Dec 25. and be lifted Sunday, December 27 at 4:30pm. pic.twitter.com/jZ484LrHZ7
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) December 25, 2020