The mayor of Nashville has declared a state of emergency in the Tennessee capital city after protesters set the Metro Courthouse on fire.
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"This afternoon's rally for George Floyd and racial justice was peaceful. I attended and listened," Nashville Mayor John Cooper said on Saturday before announcing he declared a state of civil emergency.
"We cannot let today's message of reform descend into further violence. If you mean our city harm, go home."
State governor Bill Lee said he authorised the National Guard "to mobilise in response to protests that have now taken a violent, unlawful turn in Nashville" at the request of the mayor.
The Metro Nashville Police Department said they deployed gas at the courthouse "to protect the building after protesters set it on fire" before a curfew was set to start at 10pm on Saturday.
Australian Associated Press
