Louisville is a city on edge as this weekend draws to a close. Friday saw the announcement that the federal courthouse is closed all week due to the upcoming announcement by Kentucky's Attorney General on the Breonna Taylor case. This came on the heels of the announcement that Department of Homeland Security troops were being requested to protect 4 federal buildings in downtown Louisville. Rumors are flying that the National Guard is already in town, whether that's true or not they're definitely on standby to deploy here with 48 hours notice.
I'm having trouble with coming up with an explanation for the preemptive closing of the federal courthouse that doesn't involve the cops who killed Breonna not facing charges. Between that and the requesting of the DHS troops it appears that they're attempting to manufacture a narrative similar to that seen in Portland recent weeks. I know this may sound a bit paranoid but aside from a few speeches given in front of the federal courthouse (mainly in the early days of the now 110+ days of protest here), the federal buildings have played virtually no role in the protests here (they're also several blocks away from where the majority of protests and demonstration related activities have occurred). What's more, the feds have no dogs in this fight, it is a Jefferson County grand jury reporting to the state attorney general, none of which has anything to do with the federal courthouse.
Throughout the hundred plus days of protest here there has been great emphasis on keeping things peaceful. In part this was to keep from giving any excuse for inaction to those who seek to avoid holding the police responsible for their actions, as well as to demonstrate our seriousness and dedication and give time for the system to work as it is ostensibly supposed to. I don't know what will happen if they don't hold the officers responsible but with the city having already settled the wrongful death suit it will be a rather blatant demonstration that there is different 'justice' for different people. When people feel like there is no legitimate means of achieving redress for their grievances they are forced to conclude that alternative means are their only resort and in a situation such as that anything can happen.
I will do my best to keep y'all posted as to what goes on here in the coming days so stay tuned.
(Obligatory mention of @monochromes #monomad contest)
(P.S. If anybody is feeling generous I'm accepting donations to buy a gas mask, I suspect tear gas is a distinct possibility in the next few days and it's hard to take photos when your eyes are on fire)
Drove through Louisville last night, pretty quiet at midnight. Waking up in Lexington now. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Get you an Ale-8 to drink while you are there. It's like a ginger ale but better, and you can only get them in the general area around here. It's my favorite soft drink by far.
Yeah, everybody is just sorta waiting for something to pop off.
I even looked for one @coloneljethro, no dice! I only looked once but I did look at the station we fueled up at before heading out.
Next time.
Oh well, there's always next time. Safe travels yall!