The mayor of Nashville is being criticized for laughing during an interview following a large explosion that occurred in the downtown area of the city on Christmas morning.
“This is the only explosion that’s going to happen today,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper, a Democrat, said to a local news station before laughing on camera in the wake of a blast that occurred in the city earlier that morning.
At least three people were injured and 41 buildings were damaged in the blast, which caused flames, smoke, and burned trees on Nashville’s 2nd Avenue.
Surveillance footage from downtown Nashville captured a loudspeaker warning residents to flee the scene shortly before a large explosion rocked the area. pic.twitter.com/Ng824b5GQn
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 25, 2020
Social media users quickly began criticizing Cooper over his perceived insensitivity to the damage by posting the clip of his laughter.
“Why is Nashville’s mayor laughing about a massive bomb ripping through his downtown on Christmas????” LifeFolio founder Andy Swan tweeted.
Why is Nashville’s mayor laughing about a massive bomb ripping through his downtown on Christmas????
— Andy EXPERT Swan (@AndySwan) December 25, 2020
“I really didn’t want to get political with the Nashville explosion but the Cooper brothers have to go,” Director Robby Starbuck tweeted. “Mayor John Cooper is on TV laughing about explosions and Rep. Jim Cooper hasn’t tried to keep our citizens informed on safety today. Disgusting failures!”
I really didn’t want to get political with the Nashville explosion but the Cooper brothers have to go. Mayor John Cooper is on TV laughing about explosions and Rep. Jim Cooper hasn’t tried to keep our citizens informed on safety today.
Disgusting failures!pic.twitter.com/IS9dUfnOmD
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) December 25, 2020
“Have no fear guys, the worst mayor in the city of Nashville’s history showed up to laugh about the bombing,” Outkick founder Clay Travis, a Nashville resident, tweeted.
Have no fear guys, the worst mayor in the city of Nashville’s history showed up to laugh about the bombing. pic.twitter.com/zoA1aoWHaP
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 25, 2020
Cooper praised local law enforcement, calling them heroes and saying he is “grateful for them.”
Cooper’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.
