Nashville bar death investigation reveals 4 of 6 security guards who killed a man were unlicensed by the state

In August 2021, 22-year-old Dallas Jordan Barrett, was murdered by six bouncers at Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row in Nashville, Tenn. Security guards held him down for close to 10 minutes and he died of asphyxiation.

All 6 security guards have been indicted for the death of Barrett. However, during the investigation into Barrett’s murder, records reveal that 4 of the security guards were unlicensed by the state of Tennessee.

The state of Tennessee requires training and certification in order to become a security guard, both unarmed or armed. Kentucky has no requirements.

The training requirements and curriculum to be an unarmed security guard in Tennessee include:

***Orientation (1 hour)

***Legal Powers and Limitations of a Security Officer (1 hour)

***Emergency Procedures (1 hour)

***General Duties (1 hour)

***Examination after the training which requires a 70% pass of 25 questions

Those who do get licensed to be a security guard in Tennessee will also have to renew their license every two years.

“Kentucky, and all states desperately need this law. You may not think bouncer incidents happen that often, but they do,” said Nicholas Clark, Christopher’s husband. “All people hired to keep us safe – including police, military, firefighters, and others need to be trained. You also wouldn’t hire a lifeguard without proper lifesaving techniques. Christopher’s Law is a common sense bill that would aid in bar patrons’ safety in alcohol-driven environments.”