Occupy Nashville’s first real foray onto Nashville property lasted just a few hours.
Though several members of the group had gathered there earlier in the night, one protester — Matt Hamill, according to multiple reports — had set up a tent on the city’s Public Square, outside the Metro Courthouse. A Metro police spokeswoman said he left of his own accord.
"Early this morning two Central Precinct officers talked to two persons inside a tent and reminded them of the Metro ordinance against being in a city park after 11 p.m. until the park reopens the following day. They were not arrested nor even told they would be arrested, they left of their own accord," she said.
Throughout the night, as seen on a livestreaming web video, several protesters gathered on the square and called for Nashville Mayor Karl Dean to “protect the First Amendment.”
Yesterday afternoon, the group held a meeting at their encampment on the state Capitol grounds to discuss their plans in the face of pending legislation, which would restrict them from camping on the premises. Despite the looming threat of more arrests, several in the group said they intend to stay, with their tents, on the plaza they’ve occupied since Oct. 7.