LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a press briefing held at the Big Four Bridge Sunday morning, Louisville mayor Greg Fischer spoke on the Justice for Breonna Taylor protest held Saturday night.
“Last night’s protest here in Louisville, in tone and in size was distinctly different from the previous night. The crowd was smaller and more manageable. I want to thank Louisvillians who respected the 9p.m. curfew,” Fischer said.
He went on to thank protesters by relaying that the message of peacefully protesting echoed sentiments of what the Taylor family has been asking for.
“The vast majority of protesters were peaceful and respectful… You set the right tone and the right purpose,” Fischer said.
According to the Fischer, LMPD made about 40 arrests last night related to the protest. More details are expected to be released today.
Several reports of shots fired throughout the evening were called in as well as several small trashcan fires being lit. Fischer said a few more significant fires around downtown were lit and highlighted a vacant building in the East Broadway corridor that was badly damaged.
Shots were fired at five LMPD officers in the area of 9th St. and Broadway. According to Fischer, one of the bullets struck that car that three officers were in.
Reports of looting and burglaries were made but he said not on the same scale as seen on Friday night.
“Folks that are looting are simply criminals, who are exploiting a sincere protest of the tragedies of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, all of the other issues our country is currently experiencing. They are using it as a cover to steal from innocent people,” Fischer said.
When commenting on claims of police allegedly using improper force, Fischer apologized.
“Some present last night have complained that police used too much force. On the other side, some have complained that police should use more force. If the police used any force improperly, I apologize for that," Fischer said.
In reference to people calling for more policing, Fischer asked them to respect the message of th eprotests and to recognize the difficulties of policing during this time.
“They’re doing the best job they can under difficult circumstances. Any opportunity we have for improvement we will take that," Fischer said.
The curfew implemented Saturday morning is still in effect for tonight.
More from WHAS11:
- BLOG: Louisville marks day three of protests in wake of Breonna Taylorshooting
- Why do protests escalate into violence and riots? Martin L. King, Jr. explained it 53 years ago
- Louisville mayor says 10 arrested during day three of Breonna Taylor protests
- Louisville's dusk-to-dawn curfew is in effect, here's what you need to know
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