Are the anarchists trying to do Occupy 2.0?

Reports were that activists were going to try a repeat of the Seattle Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in Nashville, Tennessee.

This was circulating on social media, indicating their intent to replicate Seattle in Legislative Plaze in Nashville across the street from the Capitol.

There is an event tomorrow in Nashville, Tenn. inspired by the Seattle "autonomous zone." Organizers are calling for people to come "reclaim" the Legislative Plaza. pic.twitter.com/ZPq2Odfxrl

— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) June 12, 2020

But Republican Gov. Bill Lee is not Washington Governor Jay Inslee, he was having none of that. He issued a warning today that Tennessee would not tolerate such a “zone.”

From Tennessean:

“We encourage Tennesseans to exercise their First Amendment rights and have seen many examples of peaceful protests across our state in recent weeks,” Lee said in a statement midday Friday. “As demonstrations continue, we will continue to protect Tennesseans’ right to peaceful assembly, while also reassuring citizens that lawlessness, autonomous zones, and violence will not be tolerated.

“Further, Tennessee law expressly prohibits camping on state property not expressly designated as a campground area, and that law will be enforced.”

The General Assembly in February 2012 passed the law after Occupy Nashville protesters set up a campsite at Legislative Plaza, making it a misdemeanor to do so.

It’s unclear who’s involved, but police said they were prepared.

Kris Mumford, a spokeswoman for the Metro Nashville Police Department, said police were aware of the plans, have reached out to THP and Central Precinct officers will be monitoring the situation “should it enter into the streets or require our involvement.”

The graphic told people to bring food, tents and other camping gear, as well as art and musical instruments. It also said they demanded defunding of the police and removing of all “racist statues.”

They already have a couple of tents up.

Nashville CHAZ so far is a very chill place. The people beside me are debating whether communism or anarchism is better

— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) June 12, 2020

Annnd the first tent it being pitched at Nashville’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone outside the state Capitol. This is a crime in Tennessee, a law enacted after Occupy.

The protesters say they’re staying the night. Governor has said that ain’t happening. Troopers are nearby. pic.twitter.com/Wl0jsIRFnk

— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) June 12, 2020

The Nashville CHAZ is not a place where everything is free because T-shirts are being sold

— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) June 13, 2020

Of course. The revolution isn’t free, pay up, folks.

Paging the governor…