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Louisville police declare state of emergency ahead of Breonna Taylor decision

The move comes as a grand jury is expected to announce soon if the involved officers will be charged

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Police officers stand near barriers added to block access to downtown, Sept. 22, 2020 in Louisville.

AP Photo/ Dylan Lovan

By David Matthews
New York Daily News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Police Department declared a state of emergency on Monday ahead of a highly anticipated decision by a grand jury to hand down indictments in the Breonna Taylor case.

The decision was announced by LMPD Interim Chief Rob Schroeder to ensure the city has necessary “staffing to provide for public safety services,” according to WAVE 3 News.

The department had previously announced all officers’ requested days off and unapproved vacation time were cancelled since the announcement of the grand jury’s decision was expected soon.

Taylor, 26, was shot and killed by Louisville police officers at her apartment in March. Her death has been cited as one of the many that have inspired more than 100 days of protest in the Kentucky city.

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s office declined to confirm to WAVE 3 News whether the Taylor case was being presented to a grand jury.

WAVE 3 News previously reported that federal buildings in Louisville would be closed this week ahead of a possible grand jury decision. Federal law enforcement have also been dispatched to the city to guard federal installations.

Louisville police Sgt. Lamont Washington said barriers “staged” in the city’s downtown area were part of these preparations.

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