Custer: Occupy Nashville Planning Last Stand

Most of Occupy Nashville’s tents may soon be cleared from view of the Capitol Building in accordance with a newly minted state law, but there are still demonstrators who will stick around to be arrested, according to a protest organizer.

State officials last Friday said they would wait a week before enforcing the state’s new law banning tenting or laying down of bedding on state property not expressly permitting camping. That includes War Memorial Plaza, a marble-topped public square where protesters have camped since October.

Michael Custer, Occupy Nashville’s most vocal spokesman, told TNReport several protesters will announce at a press conference Thursday they will risk arrest to stay on the plaza.

State officials declined to comment about exactly when or how they plan to enforce the new law.

“We’re prepared to enforce the law when those seven days are over,” said Jennifer Donnals, spokeswoman for the Department of Safety.

The clock seemingly began ticking on Friday when the Department of General Services announced the seven-day timetable.