US: Multiple people shot during protests in Louisville May 28

Event

On Thursday, May 28, at least seven people were shot during a protest in Louisville, Kentucky, over the killing of Breonna Taylor, a black woman fatally shot in her home by police on March 13. Approximately 500-600 demonstrators marched through Louisville to demand justice for Taylor. Authorities announced on Friday, May 29, that seven people had been shot during unrest after the demonstration, one of whom remains in a critical condition. Reports on social media suggest that protesters had erected wooden barricades, while riot police reportedly fired rubber bullets and deployed teargas in an effort to disperse the crowds.

The demonstration comes amid several days of protests and unrest in various cities over the recent death of George Floyd, a black man who died while being arrested by police in Minneapolis on May 25.

Additional protests, unrest, and disruptions are likely nationwide over the near term. A heightened security presence is also to be expected.

Context

Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville police officers on March 13 at her home in the city. Taylor was shot eight times during a raid by narcotics detectives, although no drugs were found at the address.

Advice

Individuals in Louisville, and the wider US, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.