Fischer suspends curfew in Louisville, blames 'criminal element' for violence, looting

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- Louisville's 9 p.m. curfew is being lifted immediately.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced Thursday afternoon that he was suspending the curfew because it had accomplished what it intended to do, which was give police a tool to deal with crowds.

"If you see anything going awry, please have people chill. Please have people stop that and say safety is our common responsibility, as citizens in Louisville" Fischer said the vast majority of protesters have been peaceful. But Fischer warned the curfew could be put back in place if violence breaks out again.

Louisville Metro Police officers are still dealing with reports of widespread looting in parts of the city. Fischer blames what he called a "criminal element" and not the protesters that have been holding demonstrations for the past week.

The city released new security footage of destruction and thefts from late night looting happening all throughout Louisville in the early morning and pre-dawn hours.

"Unfortunately what's happening in our city after demonstrators disperse is violent, aggressive, destructive looting," said Assistant Police Chief Josh Judah. He added, "On several occasions our officers have come under fire responding to these runs. Let's be clear looting has nothing to do with Breonna Taylor's death. looting has nothing to do with how the officers of LMPD conduct themselves. Looting has nothing to do with making us a stronger city where officers and residents trust each other."

Fischer said the protesters should remain focused on the real goals, which he said are speaking out against racism and dismantling systemic poverty.

"The criminal element is hijacking the purpose of the protest and dishonoring the memory of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd," he said.