Opposition militias gathered in downtown Louisville on Saturday, ending a tense confrontation without violence, according to authorities.
The Louisville Metro Police Department claimed to have warned in advance about two heavily armed militias planning to protest Saturday. The “Three Percent” militia rallied against a protest against the Not F —— Around Coalition, an Atlanta-based group that had traveled to Louisville to demand justice for Breonna Taylor.
Taylor was shot eight times at her home by plainclothes officers after her boyfriend shot officers, thinking they were thieves. The officers involved were reassigned, but the protesters have demanded that charges be brought against the men, as they were brought against the officers allegedly involved in the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
UNITED STATES PROTESTS: MORE RIOTS AND LAWS IN CITIES THROUGHOUT THE NATION
The “Three Percentistas” militia claimed it appeared in response to NFAC and to assist police, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. Near Metro Hall, the two groups met, with police in riot gear and helicopters ready in case of violence.
Armed members of the “NFAC” march through downtown Louisville, Ky., Toward the Hall of Justice on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Hundreds of activists demanded justice for Breonna Taylor during protests in her hometown that drew the Opposite protesters from a white militia group. Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was shot dead when police officers broke into her Louisville apartment with a do not touch order during an investigation. (AP Photo / Timothy D. Easley)
“We knew these groups were going to protest,” the LMPD told Fox News. “As we do with all anticipated protest activities, LMPD strives to communicate with organizers to understand what to expect during a particular protest event.”
“LMPD staff contacted the organizers of this group who were planning to protest this weekend to obtain information for our planning purposes, but in no way did LMPD express their support for the disruptive actions that this group or anyone else took.”
FOREIGNERS OF PORTLAND USE ‘CROWD COVER’ TO COMMIT CRIMES, LAUNCH FIREWORKS ON OFFICERS
Police kept the sides apart as NFAC founder John “Grandmaster Jay” Johnson delivered a speech asking local and state officials to provide more transparency about the investigation into Taylor’s death.
LOUISVILLE, KY – JULY 25: Members of a group of NFAC-affiliated protesters, most with firearms, gather to march on July 25, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. The group marches in response to the murder of Breonna Taylor. (Photo by Brett Carlsen / Getty Images)
“If he doesn’t tell us anything, we’ll think he’s doing nothing,” Johnson said.
The “Three Percent” militia, named for the alleged 3 percent of settlers who took up arms against the United Kingdom during the American Revolution, warned members to remain calm and “do not fire unless they are fired” .
After Johnson’s speech demanding answers in the coming weeks, the NFAC left the center.
An armed member of the “NFAC” scans the crowd during a march through the center to the Hall of Justice in Louisville, Ky., On Saturday, July 25, 2020. Hundreds of activists demanded justice for Breonna Taylor during the protests at her Hometown attracted counter-protesters from a group of white militias. Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was shot dead when police officers broke into her Louisville apartment with a do not touch order during an investigation (AP Photo / Timothy D. Easley)
The police were relieved that there was no violence during the confrontation. Earlier in the day, however, an NFAC member’s gun was fired, injuring three people, though none of the injuries was life threatening.
GREG GUTFELD SAYS DEMORITATED CITIES SHOULD FIX OWN PROBLEMS: “LET THE MOB” GOVERN THEM
“This is a tragic situation that could have been much worse,” Louisville Metro Police Chief Robert Schroeder said in a press release. “I encourage anyone who chooses to exercise their Second Amendment rights to do so responsibly.”
Police made 11 arrests for various crimes, including obstructing a highway, interfering with a government operation, and fleeing and evading, but none for gunshots or gunshots.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We support the rights of all to protest peacefully,” the LMPD said in a statement. “We will protect that right.”
Associated Press contributed to this report.
