MEMPHIS, Tenn. ( WREG ) — A state lawmaker is now pushing for tougher penalties in the future and charges after pro-Palestinian protestors blocked both sides of the I-40 bridge on Saturday.
Memphis Police showed up by the dozens on the bridge and across the downtown Memphis riverfront as traffic was blocked in and out of Arkansas and Tennessee for two hours, yet no arrests were made.
ORIGINAL STORY: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down lanes on I-40 bridge
“Why the hell not go commandeer the Mississippi bridge because police are apparently going to show up if you please with a cherry on top move so traffic can continue,” said State Senator Brent Taylor.
That’s why Senator Taylor penned a letter to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation pushing for an investigation.
“The reason it’s become a frequent target is because there are never any consequences,” said Taylor.
But his recent bill hopes to change that by making blocking roads a felony and holding organizers accountable for any deaths or injuries.