LEGISLATIVE OFFICE COMMITTEES 4258 AVE, NORTH ac ‘SUITE 662 "TRANSPORTATION NASHVILLE, TN 37243-0152 ouse of Representatives eae emu (615) 741-2184 PHONE. B » ois Sere (615) 406-9719 CELL oly oeatat Pak State of Tennessee EMAIL: suramke.srEWART@CARTTOLANGOV MIKE STEWART DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CHAIRMAN 52) cecistanve Disrmict Davinson county June 18%, 2020 Dear Governor Lee, Tam writing to address a highly disturbing event that has come to my attention. Reports are that Tennessee State Troopers were ordered to cross Charlotte Avenue this morning and disperse a crowd of peaceful protestors gathered in a public space. According to these reports, the State Troopers also seized protest materials such as signage. My understanding from conversations with witnesses is that the protestors did nothing to provoke this. They were simply across from the Capitol building, clearly exercising their First Amendment rights. It was broad daylight and clearly no one was camping or otherwise violating any laws. According to witnesses, an individual in a wheelchair suffered a seizure after being kicked during the incident. This matter requires urgent investigation. As you know, all Americans are guaranteed the constitutional right to the freedom of speech, including the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and the right (o peaceably assemble. This morning, Tennesseans were discouraged from exercising these inviolable rights as citizens of a free, democratic society such as ours, In atime of increasing politieal and societal tensions, peaceful civie engagement should be encouraged rather than stifled. Tennesseans are actively voicing justifiable outrage over the shocking, violent murder of George Floyd. They are looking to us as lawmakers to create lasting, positive change. am writing to ask you if you gave the order to disband this peaceful protest. If you did, what possible justifications do you have for doing so? If not, what steps are you taking to ensure that a constitutional violation such as this never occurs again? Sincerely,