FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear released a short video on Saturday morning in response to the protests in Louisville on Friday night.
In his 1:25 address, he said there is expected to be more outside groups in Louisville tonight "trying to create violence to harm everybody."
He says the National Guard is being activated to try and ensure the safety of those in the city.
"We're fully prepared to support the LMPD and other state agencies in protecting lives and preserving property," said Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton, Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard. "We will help ensure that our Kentucky citizens have the right to demonstrate peacefully and safely."
The National Guard says 350 Guardsmen are expected to arrive this afternoon to support the effort.
Here are Governor Beshear's full remarks:
Good morning Kentucky. Good morning Louisville.
The death of Breonna Taylor is tragic. And it's led to an outpouring of emotions of frustrating, of fatigue, and of the belief by many of our Kentuckians that justice isn't available to all of us in our state and in our society. While I can never pretend to understand the depths of those feelings, what I can do is pledge to listen and to do everything I can to help moving forward.
The demonstrations in Lousiville have all started peacefully. But what we have seen, especially last night, and what our intelligence says is going to happen tonight, are outside groups moving in trying to create violence to harm everybody who is on those streets. We cannot let Breonna's legacy be marred by violence and we can't let our streets turn violent.
So today I'm taking the step to ensure the safety of everybody by calling up the National Guard to help keep peace in Louisville. I hope everybody knows that this is a big step and a tough step. And it's not one intended to silence any voice because I want to hear.
But I want to make sure at the end of the day, that we are all safe. Thank you.
