CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WSLS 10) - The City of Chattanooga's Mayor released a directive banning protests at locations where memorials were set up for military members killed in a shooting July 16.
Mayor Andy Berke issued the mayoral directive, which said it part:
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A national tragedy took place in Chattanooga on July 16, 2015, when five Armed Forces members were fatally shot. It is important the family members and others who mourn our fallen heroes be able to honor them in a respectful and peaceful manner."
The directive was released a day before the first funeral service was planned for one of the military men killed in the tragedy, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
In the directive, the mayor said memorial sites, one on Lee Highway and one on Amnicola Highway in Chattanooga, should be treated as "protected memorial services which will shield them from any protests."
The directive went on to say the protection included any memorial sites treated as active memorial services, including mourners participating in prayer or other forms of remembrance or displays of appreciation to the service members, whether individually or in groups.
Read the full directive at this link:Â City of Chattanooga Mayoral Directive