LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer has declared a state of emergency for Louisville through an executive order.
What You Need To Know
- Fischer declares state of emergency in Louisville
- Restricts access to parking garages and bans street parking near Jefferson Square Park
- Fischer says he doesn't know when a decision will come down in Taylor case or what it will be
In addition, Fischer announced a second executive order restricting access to five downtown parking garages and banning on-street parking around Jefferson Square Park.
Fischer, in a press release, said he does not know when Attorney General Daniel Cameron's decision will come down on the Breonna Taylor case or what it will be.
“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.”
The state of emergency allows Fischer to exercise his emergency powers such as hiring or contracting for services, implementing curfews or other restrictions.
The orders come as the city and the Louisville Metro Police Department make preparations for an expected announcement on whether or not the officers involved in the death of Taylor will face criminal charges.
Monday, LMPD announced its own state of emergency, canceling all vacation and requested days off for officers. Several road and traffic restrictions have also been put in place, such as placing vehicle barricades around Jefferson Square Park and the perimeter of downtown, limiting surface parking and restricting vehicle access in certain areas. Predestrian traffic hasn't been restricted.
For a recap of the Breonna Taylor case, check out Spectrum News 1's blog of our coverage of the case.