City officials in Louisville, Kentucky, have declared a state of emergency and are preparing for possible protests as the Attorney General nears a decision in a high profile case.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron is expected to make an announcement regarding the investigation into the police-involved shooting death of Breonna Taylor.
In response, Louisville Mayor Greg Fisher signed an executive order on September 22 declaring a state of emergency due to the possibility of civil unrest.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) also declared a state of emergency that cancelled all officer vacations and time-off requests.
In preparation for the announcement, the LMPD issued a statement on Tuesday outlining several travel restrictions that will be put in place as a precaution.
• LMPD will place vehicle barricades around Jefferson Square Park and the perimeter of the downtown area to ensure pedestrian safety.
• LMPD will further restrict vehicle access in the blocks immediately surrounding Jefferson Square Park, allowing only pedestrian access. Barriers will be placed at all intersections.
• LMPD will restricting vehicle traffic in the downtown area between Market Street south to Broadway, and from 2nd Street to Roy Wilkins. Police will work with people who live, work and have business in this area to allow necessary access.
• LMPD will be limiting surface parking on the streets from Market Street to Broadway and 2nd Street to Roy Wilkins. LMPD requests that anyone who has vehicles parked in this area take steps to immediately remove them.
• LMPD will be limiting access to parking garages in the area.
“Again, we do not know when the announcement will come, but we must prepare for it. Our goal is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights after the announcement,” Fischer said. “At the same time, we are preparing for any eventuality to keep everyone safe.”