A man was seen brandishing a firearm at Black Lives Matter protesters—some of whom appear armed—in Louisville, Kentucky.
Police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley told Fox News that “multiple armed protesters entered the restaurant property, which included outdoor dining space” at La Chasse, a restaurant located in the 1300 block of Bardstown Road.
A reporter with the Louisville Courier-Journal tweeted several photos and videos showing the confrontation. An older man with a blue shirt is seen holding a small, Derringer-like pistol.
For those who have asked, yes this man appeared to be armed, as were a few protesters. It was a tense few minutes. #Louisville pic.twitter.com/BAw7r99KMf
— Hayes Gardner (@HayesGardner) May 2, 2021
“During the encounter both patrons and protesters brandished firearms,” Smiley told Fox News. “This incident occurred after the arrests of southbound protesters in the area on the 1500 block of Bardstown Road. The arrests of that group were made after protesters repeatedly blocked the roadway despite officers giving multiple verbal requests for them to utilize the sidewalk.”
The protesters were carrying signs that made reference to the officer-involved shooting of Breonna Taylor, whose death sparked protests in the city all of last year. They also had “Black Lives Matter” signs and shirts. Last week, the Department of Justice announced it would investigate Taylor’s death even though Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron last year cleared the officers in her death.
A female protester, according to the Courier-Journal’s footage, was seen with a pink pistol holstered on her hip. Other videos showed three men carrying rifles, wearing tactical vests, and carrying holstered pistols.
Officials confirmed that at least five people were arrested on Saturday.
