On Monday morning, an 88-year-old anti-war activist set up a chair and three signs outside the entrance of the Fred D. Thompson Courthouse and Federal Building to protest the joint U.S.-Israel bombings of Iran.
Karl Meyer, a peace activist with more than 60 years of experience, says he was spurred into action after reading a Dropsite News article over the weekend about the airstrikes hitting a girls’ primary school. Iranian officials say the strike on the school killed at least 153 people, including children. It is unclear if the missile came from the U.S. or Israel.
“When the elephants fight, it's the ants that die,” says Meyer.
Meyer says he began the protest at 8:30 a.m. and “almost immediately” men exited the building and told him to move to the sidewalk. (Meyer says they were U.S. Marshals; a security guard inside the building told the Scene he was unsure if security or federal agents would have approached him.) The lifelong activist stayed put, the hood of his rain jacket over his head in preparation for worsening weather.
Karl Meyer protests outside the Fred D. Thompson Courthouse and Federal Building on the morning of March 2, 2026
Meyer admits he had doubts and felt depressed for a few hours after reading the news about the bombing, even telling himself he was “too old” to protest. But he still rallied and took the bus from his North Nashville co-op to downtown.
The veteran activist shows you’re never too old to fight for a just cause
“I'm trying to make an impact,” he says. “I don't believe in violence. Therefore, the only thing I can do is educate.”
The Scene named Meyer as our 2024 Nashvillian of Year for his demonstration against Tennessee’s anti-camping law targeting the homeless. That year he intentionally broke the state law by sleeping overnight on the Capitol lawn, and was arrested in the morning.
The U.S. and Israel began the bombing of Iran on Saturday, and Iranian officials say the joint attacks have killed 555 people across the country, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Four U.S. service members have been killed during the Iran operation.
Update, 1:55 p.m.: Meyer tells the Scene via text message he received a citation from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Protective Service around 1 p.m. He says he plans to remain outside the building for the rest of Monday and is considering returning on Tuesday morning.
