The city of Murfreesboro released Friday morning an exhaustive list with more than 50 types of items that will not be allowed on site of the white nationalist rally Saturday afternoon. The items include guns and pepper spray to eggs, laser pointers and even balloons.
It’s clear that authorities have studied what went wrong in Charlottesville. At that event, objects like water bottles and balloons filled with ink were used as projectiles by members of both sides.
Masks, helmets and shields, like the ones many white nationalists carried, are also prohibited. They are allowed to bring in signs and flags— as long as they are handheld.
Police presence has been heavy in the Murfreesboro square. By 3 a.m. streets will be cordoned off and vehicles left in the area will be towed. Special parking has been designated far from the the site of the rally. Even members of the media are not allowed to carry equipment bags.
Click
here to download the full list of prohibited items in Murfreesboro.
Earlier, Shelbyville issued its own list of banned items. Though it’s not quite as exhaustive as Murfreesboro’s, it includes all weapons, book bags and even water. At both events, attendees and those passing through the area can expect to be searched.
The rally will take place at the intersection of North Cannon Boulevard (Highway 231) and Lane Parkway. Streets surrounding the Shelbyville site will be closed at 4 a.m. and vehicles left unattended will be towed. A special parking lot has been designated for counter protestors, who will gather across the street from those attending the rally.
Click
here to download
the full list of prohibited items in Shelbyville
.
The towns are preparing as if a natural disaster is on its way. Clint Nadeau was on the Murfreesboro square Friday afternoon where businesses are boarding up their windows.
“You hear the hammering of nails and plywood in the city square,” he says. “There’s just a tension in the air right now, and it is so surreal. It’s like I’m in a movie.”
Nadeau, who has lived in Murfreesboro since graduating from MTSU 15 years ago, says he believes any white supremacists who show up will largely be from outside the community. He says he’s been praying for them this week while trying to explain racism to his children.
“We’re just kind of hoping and praying that God watches over our shop to make sure we’re good,” says Brandon Watkins who cuts hair at Woods Viking Barber shop. “Most of us are going to take our belongings home and keep it going from there and just hope for the best.”
Lauren Frederick contributed reporting from Murfreesboro.
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