“The Health Department is very concerned by the actions that took place at the event and we are investigating and will pursue appropriate penalties against the organizer.”
Sean Feucht, a Christian worship musician in Northern California and creator of the faith-based political activist movement Hold The Line, led the event in front of the Nashville Metro Courthouse on Sunday.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake criticized the event, saying that the organizers did not coordinate with the police department in advance.
“At a time when Nashville has been making real progress at controlling the spread of the coronavirus, I am greatly disappointed that the organizer of Sunday’s event and those in attendance did not better prioritize their health and the health of others through social distancing and the wearing of face coverings,” he said in a statement. “Personal responsibility is a necessity regardless of the purpose for a public event.
Drake added that the department was also reviewing the event.
Organizer has held similar events in other cities
Feucht, who ran and lost in a March primary for California’s 3rd Congressional District seat, addressed the health department’s investigation on Twitter.
Feucht dismissed statements from authorities who had called the gathering irresponsible.
“Thousands of Christians gathered together responsibly and peaceably to sing and pray in accordance with the First Amendment, because we are tired of government officials telling us when, where, and how we can practice our Faith.”
CNN has reached out to Feucht for comment.