US: Protests continue in Louisville and other cities September 24 /update 6

Event

Protests in solidarity of the deceased Breonna Taylor, and as part of continued Black Lives Matter protest action, are taking place in Louisville (Kentucky) and several other cities across the US on Thursday, September 24. Protests have been reported in St. Louis (Missouri), Baltimore (Maryland), New York, Seattle (Washington), La Mesa (California), Portland (Oregon), Austin (Texas), Washington DC, Chicago (Illinois), Kenosha (Wisconsin), Rochester (Minnesota), among others. Thus far, the demonstrations have seemingly remained peaceful.

Further related protests should be anticipated in the near term in Louisville and other cities across the country. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions should be anticipated at all protests. Clashes between rival protest groups and between demonstrators and security forces are also to be anticipated. 

Context

On Wednesday, September 23, former police officer, Brett Hankison, was indicted and charged with "wanton endangerment" for his involvement in the fatal March 13 shooting of Breonna, a 26-year old black woman, in Louisville. Hankison was charged for firing into a neighbour's apartment, not with Breonna's death. The grand jury also ruled that two other police officers involved will not be prosecuted in connection with the death of Breonna, as their use of force during a raid on her home was justified.

Police declared a state of emergency in Louisville on Monday, September 21, ahead of the grand jury ruling. A nightly curfew is also in place in Louisville between 21:00 and 06:00 (local time) until Saturday, September 26. At least two police officers were reportedly shot and wounded on September 23, during unrest in Louisville which followed the ruling.

The death of Breonna provoked unrest in Louisville. The protests are also linked to wider unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd whilst he was being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired and detained, and one has since been charged with second-degree murder. Demonstrations have occurred in several cities across the US, with solidarity protests taking place throughout the world.

Advice

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