Tim McGraw, John Rich and Lauren Akins are just a few of the people who are speaking out about the damage that happened in Nashville over the weekend, after 30 buildings were damaged, including the Ryman Auditorium, the Nashville Historic Courthouse, Margaritaville and Big Time Boots. The damage occurred during a riot, which followed a peaceful protest of people speaking out about the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer.

“Nobody’s ever improved on the ideal that all are created equal and that we should love one another as we love ourselves….” Tim wrote.

Nobody’s ever improved on the ideal that all are created equal and that we should love one another as we love ourselves…. pic.twitter.com/k0t7lIb8Z1

— thetimmcgraw (@TheTimMcGraw) May 31, 2020

“This is not a protest. This is anarchy plain and simple. Freedom of speech doesn’t cover what’s happening in our town right now,” John Rich wrote, later adding, “The worst part about the criminals who were looting/burning/defacing Nashville last night, is that it TOTALLY shifts focus to THEM instead of the murder of #GeorgeFloyd. It dishonors the memory of Mr. Floyd and only serves to make the divide in our country that much deeper.”

This is not a protest. This is anarchy plain and simple. Freedom of speech doesn’t cover what’s happening in our town right now. #NashvilleProtest

— John Rich (@johnrich) May 31, 2020

Thomas Rhett’s wife, Lauren Akins, spoke out in a lengthy post on social media, about their oldest daughter, Willa Gray, who is black.

“I have been nervous to post anything in the past and even now because of how some people believe that I as a white mother am undeserving or incapable of raising a black daughter,” Lauren began. “I believe that shaming comes from people who choose to see only my white skin and her brown skin and refuse to see our hearts and love for each other. That shaming has created such anxiety in me that I am afraid to share my heart on social media.

“I believe if I stay silent I am betraying my brothers and sisters,” she continued, as part of a lengthy post. “I believe if I stay silent I am betraying my daughter. I believe if I stay silent I am betraying the heart of God. Don’t stay silent. Fight. Use the most powerful weapon of all: love. Look to the One who created that weapon and follow His lead. Together, let’s be an army for love. That means speaking up loudly for injustices whether or not we share the same skin color, language, beliefs…the list goes on.

“I want my children to cling to the good. Love, peace, kindness, joy,” Lauren concluded. “I want them to BE the good. Injustice is evil. It breaks the heart of God. I pray He breaks every one of our hearts over this injustice until He returns.”

 

“Love for you that is reading this,” tweeted Bobby Bones. “My feeling now … I hate that the true message of inequality is being lost due to the actions of folks now.”

Love for you that is reading this. My feeling now … I hate that the true message of inequality is being lost due to the actions of folks now .

— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) May 31, 2020

“Walk in love. Ephesians 5:2,” Carly Pearce tweeted.

Walk in love.

Ephesians 5:2

— Carly Pearce (@carlypearce) June 1, 2020

Mayor John Cooper also spoke out about the devastation, vowing Nashville will rebuild.

“As I am sharing with local news outlets this morning, the damage to the Historic Courthouse and businesses can and will be repaired,” the mayor said only hours after the destruction. “Vandalism and violence only makes things worse. Vandalism cannot be the answer.”

As I am sharing with local news outlets this morning, the damage to the Historic Courthouse and businesses can and will be repaired. Vandalism and violence only makes things worse. Vandalism cannot be the answer. pic.twitter.com/mEAJKRytK6

— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) May 31, 2020

At least one person has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to the courthouse.