THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY
John Cooper, Mayor
Subject: Renewal of Curfew Under State of Civil Emergency Related to Explosion on 2nd Avenue
Whereas, at approximately 6:32 a.m. CST on December 25, 2020, an explosion occurred on 2nd Avenue near Commerce Street in downtown Nashville; and
Whereas, the explosion injured multiple persons and caused widespread and serious damage to property, including structural damage to buildings and infrastructure; and
Whereas, law enforcement officials are continuing their criminal investigation into the explosion;
Whereas, first responders are continuing to assess the structural integrity and safety of affected buildings;
Whereas, safeguarding the lives of its citizens and protecting their property is a fundamental responsibility of the Metropolitan Government; and
Whereas, Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-9-102, Tenn. Code Ann. § 58-8-104, and Metropolitan Code § 2.08.060 authorize the Mayor of the Metropolitan Government to proclaim in writing when there exists a state of civil emergency within the area of the Metropolitan Government; and
Whereas, “civil emergency” is defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-9-101(2)(A) and Metro Code § 2.08.050 to include an explosion resulting in the death or injury of persons or the destruction of property to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and also includes the destruction of property or the death or injury of persons brought about by the deliberate acts of one or more persons when such acts are a threat to the peace of the general public or any segment thereof; and
Whereas, Tenn. Code Ann. § 38-9-103 and Metropolitan Code § 2.08.070 authorize the Mayor, after proclamation of a civil emergency, to order a general curfew applicable to such geographic areas of the metropolitan government as deemed necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare, which shall have the force and effect of law and shall continue in effect until rescinded in writing by the Mayor, but not to exceed fifteen days; and
Whereas, I declared on December 25, 2020, a state of civil emergency, which continues until rescinded but is limited to January 1, 2021, unless it is necessary to extend it by Executive Order; and
Whereas, I will extend the declaration of a state of civil emergency on January 1, 2021, for an additional seven days; and
Whereas, I ordered on December 25, 2020, a curfew for the area bounded by James Robertson Parkway, 4th Avenue North, Broadway, and the Cumberland River from 4:30 p.m. CST on December 25, 2020, until 4:30 p.m. CST on December 27, 2020; and
Whereas, I ordered on December 27, 2020, a curfew for the area bounded by James Robertson Parkway, 4th Avenue North, Broadway, and the Cumberland River from 4:30 p.m. CST on December 27, 2020, until noon CST on December 28, 2020, and a curfew for the area bounded by Union Street, 4th Avenue North, Broadway, and the Cumberland River from noon CST on December 28, 2020, until noon CST on December 29, 2020; and
Whereas, I ordered on December 29, 2020, a curfew for the area bounded by Union Street, 3rd Avenue North, Broadway, and the Cumberland River from noon CST on December 29, 2020, until noon CST on December 30, 2020; and
Whereas, to facilitate the ongoing investigation of the explosion and to protect the public from further injury, it is necessary to continue to limit access to the immediate area surrounding the explosion to law enforcement and other first responders;
Now therefore, I, John Cooper, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do herby proclaim, direct, and order the following:
- A curfew shall be in effect for the area bounded by Union Street, 3rd Avenue North, Broadway, and the Cumberland River from noon CST on December 30, 2020, until 5 p.m. CST on December 30, 2020.
- A curfew shall be in effect for the area bounded by Union Avenue, 2nd Avenue North, Broadway, and the Cumberland River from 5 p.m. CST on December 30, 2020, until 5 p.m. CST on January 7, 2021. The curfew shall apply to 2nd Avenue in its entirety, including all structures and properties fronting on 2nd Avenue.
- The curfew shall not apply to persons lawfully within the curfew area who have obtained permission from the metropolitan chief of police, which permission shall be granted on good cause shown. These curfews also shall not apply to medical personnel in the performance of their duties.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: December 29, 2020
John Cooper
Mayor