7 people shot in Louisville during protests of Breonna Taylor shooting

Seven people were shot Thursday in downtown Louisville, Ky., as several hundred protesters gathered to protest the death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed in her own apartment by police in March.

A police department spokesperson told USA Today that shots were heard on the scene at around 11:30 p.m. and that two of the victims required surgery.

“There have been some arrests, but at this time we are not able to tell you how many as the situation is ongoing,” spokeswoman Alicia Smiley told the outlet. “Information on those arrests will be available tomorrow through court records of the arrests.” 

Smiley said that no police officers had fired their guns.

Taylor, an EMT, was allegedly shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police Department officers in her apartment on March 13. Plainclothes officers were executing a search warrant in a drug case, according to officials. The FBI has opened an investigation into Taylor’s death.

Taylor’s family took to social media during the protests to ask for peaceful demonstrations.

“We are not going to stop until we get justice,” Taylor’s younger sister, Juniyah Palmer, said in a video. “But we should stop tonight before people get hurt.”

A message from Breonna Taylor’s family urging protestors to be peaceful, go home and keep fighting for truth. pic.twitter.com/if5MH5UcCW

— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) May 29, 2020

Early Friday morning, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer (D) urged against any further violence.

“I urge protesters, as Breonna Taylor’s family said tonight, to say her name,” Fischer tweeted. “But let’s not see anyone else get hurt. Let’s work together for peace, justice & for Breonna & all of Louisville.”

I urge protesters, as Breonna Taylor’s family said tonight, to say her name. But let’s not see anyone else get hurt. Let’s work together for peace, justice & for Breonna & all of Louisville. pic.twitter.com/RHyMgUV073

— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) May 29, 2020