Information About The Kentucky Derby And Protests In Louisville

Press release from the City of Louisville:

September 4, 2020

In advance of demonstrations planned for Kentucky Derby day, Mayor Fischer and Louisville Metro Police are urging residents to base their behaviors on facts and to not participate in the spread of misinformation.

Here are the facts:

• The city fully supports First Amendment rights and expects peaceful protests on Saturday. Louisville Metro Police has been in contact with protest organizers. If activities become unlawful, LMPD has plans in place and is prepared to handle the situation.
• If people are blocking traffic, creating dangerous conditions on our roadways or trespassing on private property against the wishes of the property owner, the police will cite and/or arrest them. Anyone committing violence or vandalism will be arrested.
• Many times since protests began in Louisville, rumors and false information have spread quickly on social media and created unnecessary worry. Residents can help by following LMPD and other official Louisville Metro Government social media accounts for verified updates regarding protests.

"Racial justice is a goal we all support. And we support First Amendment rights," Mayor Fischer said on Wednesday. "We just have to balance the right to protest with our essential duty to preserve public safety."

For more information, watch briefings from Wednesday and today.

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.