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Peaceful Protest Planned for Downtown Louisville Following Grand Jury Decision in Ferguson Shooting

Jacob Ryan/WFPL
Credit Jacob Ryan/WFPL

Louisville community activists have organized a peaceful protest for this evening following a grand jury's decision to not indict a Ferguson, Mo., police officer in theshooting deathof an unarmed African-American 18-year-old.

More than 300 people have replied that they plan to attend the Louisville event, which is planned for 5 p.m. outside of Louisville Metro Police headquarters at Seventh and Jefferson streets in downtown Louisville.

"Many cities across the country began to organize 'no indictment' rallies and I didn't want Louisville to get left behind," said Brandon Herring, an organizer.

Herring said the event was organized by a few individuals, but since its announcement several other community groups have shown interest. He said organizers weren't planning for the protest to have designated speakers.

"We do intent to manage the event and make sure our voices are heard, but in a respectful and peaceful way," said Herring.

LMPD responded to a WFPL request in an email: 

There have been demonstrations in the past – all of those peaceful, and we anticipate that any future demonstrations will be peaceful as well.  It is our job to uphold the right for citizens to exercise their first amendment right.  We also have an obligation to protect the rights of property owners and citizens from physical harm should a violent situation arise. 

The grand jury's decision Monday to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown hassparked protestsin several cities.

Copyright 2014 89.3 WFPL News Louisville

Devin Katayama is an award-winning journalist who hosts the midday for WFPL Louisville Public Media. He's also the station's education reporter.
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