Nashville family speaks after boys verbally assaulted by neo-Nazis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Nashville family is issuing a call to action two weeks after a group of young drummers was verbally assaulted by neo-Nazis downtown.

Over the weekend, dozens marched in solidarity with the “Downtown Drummers” and their family, calling on local leaders to take action.

“They’re really shocked that this happened, they’re kind of in a state of disbelief, they’re hesitant to go downtown and enjoy what they should be able to,” cousin Teon Lewis said.

Earlier in July, the drummers were walking home from downtown when they stumbled upon the neo-Nazi group. The group allegedly shouted racial slurs at the boys, who were between the ages of 9 and 15. Body camera footage caught part of the interaction, which the Metro Nashville Police Department called “shocking and reprehensible.”

The boys’ family called on city leaders to revoke and deny any permits that might allow hate groups to demonstrate in downtown Nashville.

“We don’t want people to be able to stand on the corners and spew hate or racial slurs all under the name of freedom of speech,” Lewis said.

Lewis and her family are also requesting that charges be pressed against the adults accused of shouting racial slurs against the young drummers.

“If it’s okay for people to just stand on the corner and assault people verbally, then I feel like there’s an issue with that,” Lewis said.

After a string of protests carried out by various hate groups in downtown Nashville, the Downtown Drummers’ family also called on all elected officials to denounce “racially-motivated” demonstrations so organizers would no longer feel welcome downtown.

“Nobody wants to leave outside of their house and be met with hate,” Lewis said.

Lewis and her family have met with Mayor Freddie O’Connell since the exchange and told News 2 his office had been supportive.

Next, they plan to ask the city to hold an annual “Downtown Drummers Day” inviting children from across Nashville to gather downtown and play music in a safe space.

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