Breonna Taylor Update: Louisville Limits Access To Downtown Ahead Of State Attorney General’s Decision To Charge Officers In Fatal Shooting

The Louisville police department is limiting access to downtown ahead of the State Attorney General’s decision on whether to charge the police officers who took the life of 26-year-old EMT Breonna Taylor. More inside…

The city of Louisville, KY is under a state of emergency of sorts as police officers shut down streets in the downtown area with barricades ahead of a decision in the Breonna Taylor case.

Louisville Metro Police Department interim Chief Robert Schroeder spoke to citizens this morning, apologizing for the inconvenience, but he defended the move as necessary as we all await an announcement from Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R) - the first Black person to nab the title - on whether he will charge the officers who murdered Breonna Taylor during a “botched raid” back in March.

"This is not intended to be a lockdown," Interim Chief Rob Schroeder said.

Federal buildings have been closed and it’s reported officers will be expected to work 12-hour shifts. All off-days and vacation will be cancelled for officers…for now.

Check it:

 

So in Louisville, they are working on blocking off the entire downtown area. Fences are being thrown up, barricades coming in...everything besides arresting the cops who murdered Breonna Taylor pic.twitter.com/L66KZSuakU

— Erica, the white trash socialist (@herosnvrdie69) September 21, 2020

 

 

Good morning from downtown #Louisville. pic.twitter.com/MlFfWwRms3

— Hayes Gardner (@HayesGardner) September 22, 2020

 

 

LMPD are preparing for a riot,they are not going to give justice to Breana Taylor. #Louisville #Breannataylor pic.twitter.com/9KAWQQtnyE

— Bajwa (@ShakkrPara) September 22, 2020

 

Louisville officials claim they don’t know when Cameron’s decision will be announced, but the city is restricting downtown access in anticipation of protests following the decision. Sources claim a decision will be made sometime this week.

 

Louisville's police chief preemptively declares a state of emergency in anticipation of an announcement about Breonna Taylor's case.

This is as clear a sign as any that justice and accountability are not forthcoming. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/OyBuI4Qr3G

— African American Policy Forum (@AAPolicyForum) September 21, 2020

 

The restrictions include vehicle barricades around Jefferson Square Park, where daily protests have organized previously. Officials claim the barricades won't block people from protesting, but rather will ensure their safety. Hmph. There will be limited access to parking garages in the downtown area and limited parking on the streets as well.

TRAFFIC ALERT: The city has put up concrete barriers around parts of downtown Louisville. #LMPD also placed vehicle barricades around Jefferson Square Park and the perimeter of the downtown area to ensure pedestrian safety.#WLKY #Traffic pic.twitter.com/teKsBVcsud

— Mo Rose (@WLKYMoRose) September 22, 2020

Previously, Cameron - was made special prosecutor in the case earlier this year - declined to give a timeline on the investigation.

"My office is continually asked about a timeline regarding the investigation into the death of Ms. Breonna Taylor. An investigation, if done properly, cannot follow a specific timeline," he said earlier this month.

Folks have been waiting to see if his office will bring up charges against the officers who were involved in the Breonna shooting, including Jon Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and detective Brett Hankison, who has been fired.

Apparently, Jon Mattingly (who was placed on administrative reassignment) recently sent an email to his LMPD colleagues, calling protesters "thugs":

The section about the enforcement of civil rights violations is particularly jarring. "..the department and FBI (who aren't cops and would piss their pants if they had to hold the line) go after you for civil rights violations." pic.twitter.com/CExRQCklO0

— Roberto Aram Ferdman (@robferdman) September 22, 2020

This is all from one of the LMPD officers who not only were involved in the raid that led to Breonna Taylor's death, but one of the three who LMPD says fired their gun. Sgt. Mattingly, who was shot in the leg that night, has been on administrative reassignment since the incident

— Roberto Aram Ferdman (@robferdman) September 22, 2020

Louisville’s mayor, Greg Fischer, posted a tweet about the “shut down”:

“We do not know when the attorney general will make an announcement, or what it will be. Our goal with these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their first amendment rights, and to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe.”

We do not know when the @kyoag will make an announcement, or what it will be. Our goal with these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights, & to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe. https://t.co/S2LlFWgL0A

— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) September 22, 2020

The decision on whether to charge the police officers comes days after it was reported the city of Louisville settled with Breonna’s family for $12 million (of taxpayers’ money).

Earlier this month, Breonna’s boyfriend – Kenneth Walker – announced he was suing the Louisville Metro Police Department. The 28-year-old is seeking unspecified monetary damages from the city and the police department for assault, battery, false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, abuse of process and negligence stemming from the night Breonna was killed.

The fact they are shutting down the city makes you wonder if they already know what the outcome will be...

Protesters aren't backing down though:

I went out to the Square tonight to do two things. First to be sure the protestors understand that we should be far...

Posted by Sadiqa Reynolds on Monday, September 21, 2020

Prayers up that everyone remains safe!

Photo: stockelements/Shutterstock.com

source: theybf