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

#BREAKING: Curfew imposed for certain downtown #Nashville areas following RV blast: Mayor Cooper 4th Ave north, Broadway and the Cumberland River from 4:30pm, Thursday Dec 25 until Sunday, December 27 at 4:30pm.pic.twitter.com/ffupioQJw3

— NAR (@narsocial) 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

This is truly ridiculous. This is the third interview I've seen this morning of Mayor Cooper laughing about a terrorist attack on our city on Christmas morning. Read the room, guy. https://t.co/qZPDcj3nK9

— Thomas A. Stephenson (@Tommyboy_615) December 25, 2020

Why is Mayor John Cooper laughing when he says, “….make sure this is the only explosion that’s gonna happen in Nashville today.” Then he goes on to talk about broken water mains. 🤔

What in the world. #NashvilleExplosion pic.twitter.com/NN2nFLoQWd

— Independent Women's Voice (@IWV) December 25, 2020

Yes! Why is Mayor Cooper laughing about an explosion in our city??? https://t.co/C09AGcxpak

— Sissy Treat (@Sistreat) December 25, 2020

If you’re looking for the worst reaction a Mayor or executive might have after a likely act of terrorism, look no further than this guy.

Wow. #nashvilleexplosion #Nashville #MayorCooper pic.twitter.com/xeJwnYWTu1

— Dan DeLamater (@DanDeLamater) December 26, 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