LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Chief Robert Schroeder outlined steps being taken in preparation for Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s planned announcement in the Breonna Taylor case, including a countywide curfew starting tonight at 9 p.m.

Cameron will announce if whether there will be criminal charges in the case at 1:30 p.m.

Acknowledging the potential of large gatherings in response to that announcement, Mayor Fischer said, “We all have a choice to make in response to whatever decision Attorney General Cameron announces today. I urge everyone to commit once again to a peaceful, lawful response like we’ve seen here for the majority of the past several months.”

Fischer said most of the protest-related violence over the past few months has taken place after sundown. He signed his third Executive Order establishing a countywide, 72-hour curfew from 9 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. beginning Wed. Sept. 23. He urged protesters to begin making their way home at 8 p.m. The curfew does not apply to those who are going to work, houses of worship for services, or for those seeking medical attention. 

All Louisville Metro Government buildings in the downtown corridor will be closed starting Wed. at noon through Thu. They include: Metro Hall and its Annex; City Hall and its Annex; Fiscal Court; the Sinking Fund; LMPD headquarters; Metro Development and Metro Safe on South Fifth Street; Youth Detention Services; and the Alexander Building on West Main. The city’s Downtown Wellness Center on First Street also is closing.

“Our goal is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights,” Mayor Fischer said. “At the same time, we are preparing for any eventuality to keep everyone safe.”

On Tuesday, Fischer signed two other Executive Orders:

  • One declares a state of emergency due to the potential for civil unrest, which allows him to exercise any of his emergency powers, including those to hire or contract for services, and implementing curfews and other restrictions.
  • The other restricts access to downtown parking garages to provide an extra layer of security for protests in and around Jefferson Square Park.

Chief Schroeder also previously announced a state of emergency for LMPD, which allowed him to cancel all vacation and requested off days for officers. LMPD implemented road and traffic restrictions on early Tues.:

  • Blocks immediately adjacent to Jefferson Square Park are restricted to pedestrian traffic only, with no parking.
  • There also is no parking and limited vehicle access from Broadway, north to Market Street, and from Second to Ninth streets. Anyone heading to the park is advised to rideshare, to cut down on traffic, and be prepared to walk a few blocks.
  • Police are facilitating ADA access at Sixth and Market streets, and is working with residents, business owners and downtown employees to allow necessary access, via these intersections: Second Street at Jefferson and Chestnut; Broadway at Fourth and Seventh; Ninth at Chestnut and Jefferson; and Market at Third and Eighth.
  • Some TARC routes have been impacted by the road closures and restrictions. Please see the TARC website for details.

The Mayor and Chief stressed that the public should base their behaviors on facts and not participate in the spread of misinformation. Residents can help by following the Mayor’s Office, LMPD and other official Louisville Metro Government social media accounts for updates.