Neo-Nazi incident in downtown bar raises security concerns in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A self-proclaimed hate group continues to make its presence known in downtown Nashville.

The security situation remains worrying, especially after the two arrests at the demonstration last weekend.

According to Metro Police, neo-Nazis were demonstrating on 3rd Avenue last weekend when 29-year-old Ryan Scott McCann of Ontario, Canada, hit Deago Buck, an employee at Johnny Cash’s bar, in the face and ribs with a Nazi flag.

McCann is charged with aggravated assault and disturbing the peace, and Buck was arrested for disturbing the peace and resisting police.

Prosecutors confirmed Wednesday that McCann’s bail was increased from $80,000 to $51,000.

Metro representatives like Jacob Kupin are angry and say this is damaging the community and the image of Music City.

“This is not our city,” Kupin said. “This is not the love and care that we feel for each other and that we normally see. And I hope that we can eradicate what is happening right now and not watch it come back.”

Kupin says there is no place for harassment here.

“There is no right to intimidate people, there is no right to make them fear for their lives and their safety, and I fear that we are gradually moving in that direction,” Kupin said.

FOX 17 News spoke with a security company that works with some of the downtown bars that have been threatened, who said they have never seen such a high number of serious threats against downtown businesses and employees.

MORE | Community demands Nashville leaders intervene after people wave obvious Nazi flags

Councilman Kupin says the rally he is organizing is planned for August 4th and is intended to bring Nashville residents together to show the love this city feels, not the hate that has been going on lately.

Get reports like this and all the day’s news from Middle Tennessee delivered to your inbox every morning with the FOX 17 News Daily Newsletter.