Louisville mayor: Kentucky Derby protests must remain lawful

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer gave an update Tuesday on the security measures in place for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. While offering support to any peaceful protests that occur at or near Churchill Downs, he cautioned that Louisville police will be out in force to quell any demonstrations deemed unlawful.

“Unlawful protests will not be allowed,” Fischer said. “If people are blocking traffic or creating dangerous conditions on roadways or trespassing on private property against the wishes of the property owner, the police will cite and/or arrest them.”

According to officials, designated protest zones will be in place on Saturday. 

Protests have been ongoing in Louisville this summer in response to the death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot eight times by Louisville police executing a no-knock warrant at her home. Fischer warned law enforcement will be on hand to quell any potential violence.

Several groups plan on protesting Saturday in Louisville. The Kentucky State Police and National Guard will both be on hand and will be helping to keep order during the protests, according to Louisville police Lt. Col. Andy McClinton.

“As we have seen over the past 100 days, some of the stated [protest] plans materialize and sometimes they do not,” McClinton said. “It’s very difficult to predict how many people will actually show up to these event.”

A chain link fence has been placed around Churchill Downs in an attempt to ward off any incidents. McClinton noted that the KSP and National Guard are in town every year for the Derby, though they generally work largely inside Churchill Downs.