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Who shot Louisville officers amid Breonna Taylor protests? Here is everything we know about suspect in custody

Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said that he is 'very concerned for the safety of [his] officers'
UPDATED SEP 24, 2020
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

In the wee hours of March 13, 2020, medical worker Breonna Taylor was shot and killed as Louisville, Kentucky, after officers reportedly executed a "no-knock" warrant at her South End apartment in a narcotics probe. On Wednesday, September 23, a Jefferson County grand jury indicted one of the three Louisville Metropolitan Police officers who fired a dozen bullets, nearly six months after the incident and the decision soon sparked nationwide protests.

Amid violent riots, two Louisville Metropolitan Police officers were shot as protesters marched to demand justice for Breonna Taylor. In a brief press conference held on Wednesday, September 23, evening, Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder confirmed that the officers were fired on after responding to a separate "shots fired call" at about 8.30 pm ET. The gunshots rang out amid a clash between protesters and police.

According to an NPR report, the chief said that he is "very concerned for the safety of [his] officers." According to the statement, the officers were taken to Louisville University Hospital. While one officer is in stable condition, the other is undergoing surgery and both are "non-threatening injuries". 

Who is Larynzo Johnson?

As per a Courier-Journal report, the man identified as Larynzo Johnson, 26, has been charged with 14 counts of wanton endangerment and two counts of assault on a police officer. The office of the Jefferson County Circuit Court said the suspect's actions “showed an extreme indifference to the value of human life” and put officers at the scene in danger of death or serious injury.As per the outlet, LMPD officers were responding to a large crowd at Broadway and Brook Street in downtown Louisville. A part of the crowd, Johnson “intentionally used a handgun to fire multiple bullets at officers. Two officers with LMPD were struck by the bullets causing serious physical injury.”

The news soon sparked unrest on social media. Along with a 41-second clip, Reuters tweeted: "Robert Schroeder, interim chief of the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, said a suspect had been arrested after two police officers were shot during protests. The officers are in stable condition, he added."  

Several clips started floating around with the incident. "Officers put guy in tie-dye hoodie in the van," one tweet read and another said, "This guy in tie-dye was on camera right before the shooting earlier tonight."



 



 

The FBI is still investigating potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid, AP reported. Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor's family, called the decision "outrageous and offensive". Meanwhile, protesters yelled, "No justice, no peace!" as they marched through the streets in cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Mayor Greg Fischer and LMPD Chief Schroeder had outlined steps for a countywide 72-hour curfew from 9 pm to 6.30 am. "Our goal is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights," Mayor Fischer said. "At the same time, we are preparing for any eventuality to keep everyone safe."

Announcing it on Twitter, he posted, "Our city will be under a curfew beginning at 9 tonight (9/23) until 6.30 am. It's important for everyone in our community to be safe, as much of the unfortunate violence that's occurred in recent months has happened overnight. Please begin heading home." LMPD also tweeted: "Attention: By authority of the mayor, a county-wide curfew will go into effect for the next 72-hours between 9 pm and 6:30 am. Please plan ahead."



 



 

Reportedly, the National Guard had been deployed to protect the hospital where the two Louisville police officers are undergoing treatment.

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