Protests in residential neighborhoods

Protests in residential neighborhoods

I'm dorothy sherman.

Thanks for joining us for news 12 now at 11.

The demonstrations in chattanooga we see happen in public places like parks, but council members say they've targeted their homes.

But, is it legal to do that?

We find out in tonight's top local story.

Chattanooga council chairman chip henderson: "in their cars blowing horns, they got out waving signs.

One had a bull horn.

They were all chanting, just really disturbing the neighborhood.."

It was a protest in front of chattanooga city council chairman chip henderson's home wednesday.

Henderson says he called police.

Police say when they got there the protestors left after being told a few times to leave.

Chattanooga council chairman chip henderson: "if they want to protest me at city council i'm up for that all day long, but they don't have any business in our homes and in our neighborhoods."

Protestors took another demonstration to council vice- chairman ken smith's home.

An email from the group concerned citizens for justice says they're demanding the city divest from police and believe council is ignoring its constituents, "if we have to disrupt the dinner parties and family brunches of elected officials, so be it."

In a statement, councilman smith acknowledges the right to peaceful protest, but says targeting his home only created fear in his children and neighbors.

He says, "if the protestors hoped this behavior would help move this discussion forward or make me want to want to work with them, they are wrong."

According to chattanooga police, it is not illegal for protestors to assemble in the street of a residential neighborhood.

But, what could get you in trouble: - gathering on private property police say you can be arrested if the the owner files a complaint.

- blocking a roadway they say they do not need a complaint to arrest you or cite you for that.

And... - using bull horns and honking vehicles police say that can be considered disorderly conduct.

While protestors are determined to get change, when asked if he feels like this is helping their cause, councilman henderson said no.

Chattanooga council chairman chip henderson: "it's nothing more than bullying tactics.

It's trying to strike fear.

I'm certainly not going to be bullied and i'm not afraid."

News 12