Media Contact

May 31, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The following statement can be attributed to ACLU-KY Executive Director Michael Aldridge regarding police violence against protesters and the press in Louisville:    

“There are widespread reports and video evidence of Louisville Metro Police and supporting law enforcement agencies repeatedly attacking protesters and press without cause last night in Louisville. Mayor Fischer’s apology this morning and LMPD’s characterization of the incidents as ‘confusion’ last night are not sufficient to address the shocking, unjustified use of force against peaceful protesters and the specific targeting of journalists.  

Law enforcement’s violent actions last night and the lack of any meaningful accountability for those actions so far today are at the core of why thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand justice for Breonna Taylor and others. 

Officers swear an oath to serve and protect. Firing tear gas at peaceful protesters before curfew and threatening journalists with arrest falls far short of your responsibilities to the community. We call for the immediate end of the discriminatory, disproportionate application of force and the swift sunset of the broad curfew order.”  

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