LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over the weekend, thousands of people flocked to the streets of Louisville, protesting a lack of racial justice in the country, particularly in the death of Breonna Taylor.
Protests started peacefully but turned violent. Buildings and cars were vandalized, several protesters were injured and dozens were arrested over the span of four days.
The people have spoken, and Louisville Metro Council President David James said the city is listening.
"Their voices are being heard," he told WHAS11 Monday morning. James said Metro Council members are currently discussing what steps need to be taken next.
In addition to suspending no-knock warrants, James said the council is looking at changing the policy behind the release of 911 calls and body camera videos to the public. Currently, departments use a clause under the Open Records Act to prevent the release of these files while an incident is under investigation.
James also expressed his concern for the businesses that were damaged during the protests, especially since many were already in financial distress due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"It was heartbreaking seeing those businesses being destroyed," he said. Greater Louisville Inc. is working with Metro Council members to find ways to help these businesses recover.
Metro Council President James hopes that the city can move forward in a new, positive direction after this destructive weekend. However, he knows that this process will be a tough one.
"The frustration is real," James said. "There needs to be a lot of deep and hard conversations...and they’re not going to be easy conversations and they’ll be uncomfortable conversations. In the end, we will be a better city for it and a better country for it."
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