Authorities in Louisville, Ky., Were investigating Saturday night after a suspect opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters in Jefferson Square Park.
Authorities confirmed to Fox News that at least one person was killed in the shooting. LMPD Sgt. Lamont Washington issued the following statement:
“At about 9 p.m., there were reports of gunshots in Jefferson Square Park. Then came calls that Sheriff’s Department staff were in the park taking life-saving measures on a man who eventually died in the scene. A short time later, we received a report from another shooting victim in the Hall of Justice. That person was taken to the University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. “
Officers cleared the park completely and secured the area so that homicide detectives could carry out their investigation. Detectives are trying to gather as much information as possible to identify everyone involved in the incident.
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Mayor Greg Fischer’s office released the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the violence that erupted in Jefferson Square Park tonight, where those who have been voicing their concerns gathered. It is a tragedy that this area of peaceful protest is now a crime scene. My thanks to the first to respond. who attended the scene. I will have more to say tomorrow as additional information becomes available. “
Some videos posted on social media showed a man firing at least half a dozen shots from a sidewalk into a space filled with protesters and tents. In a video seen on Facebook, the camera operator bends down and starts running, but many more shots can be heard. People can be seen hiding behind the concrete ledges and yelling for others to run for cover.
It was unclear whether the barrage of gunfire was from the suspect or also from the open-air protesters or the police officers returning fire.
While the Facebook video is playing, screams from a doctor can be heard and at least one person is immobilized on the ground in a pool of blood. People run towards the individual and at least two armed civilians stand guard while others try to administer first aid.
Jefferson Square Park has been the center of protests in Louisville for weeks. The city has been protesting the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police when she slept during a controversial raid on her apartment.
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No officer involved in Taylor’s death has been arrested, although one, Brett Hankison, has been fired.
Police officers were seen standing guard at Jefferson Square Park. WDRB reported that at least one victim was loaded into an ambulance.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
