BYREBECCA KLAR-
During protests at the state capitol Monday as part of the nationwide protests in response to George Floyd’s death, members of the Tennessee National Guard laid down their shields at the request of peaceful protesters.
Protester and organizer Justin Jones asked National Guard members who had been called in in response to the demonstration to lay down their shields as the demonstrators stood on the steps of the Capitol, the Tennessean reported.
After Guard members listened and eventually laid down their riot shields, they were met with cheers from the crowd, according to video footage reported of the scene.
Officials said the vigil for Floyd took place as the Tennessee General Assembly reconvened after suspending its session in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Tennessean. Several Democrats walked down to join demonstrators while other Democrats and Republicans watched from the Capitol balcony, the newspaper noted.
More: TheHill.com