Louisville Safety Zone Advocates’ Statements on LMPD Refusal to Discipline Armed, Uniformed Officer Who Protested Outside Abortion Clinic

Regarding the breaking news that the Louisville Metro Police Department won’t pursue action against a uniformed, armed police officer who protested outside an abortion clinic, Dr. Ernest Marshall and Marshall, owners of EMW Women’s Surgical Center, and the advocacy group Kentucky Health Justice Network released the following statements.

Statement from Dr. Ernest Marshall and Ona Marshall, owners of the EMW Surgical Center:

“Disregard for current laws -- including noise, harassment, assault, and trespassing codes -- has contributed to a dangerous environment on the streets surrounding the EMW clinic. The Metro Council and the people of Louisville have spoken by passing a Safety Zone to protect access to the EMW clinic. It’s time for LMPD to take the public safety risks on the sidewalk seriously, follow the law, and do their job to ensure safety, not encourage more harm to Louisville residents and all who come here for care. Everyone deserves equitable enforcement of the law and not holding this officer accountable for breaches of policy does not instill public confidence in LMPD for any citizen or situation in the Louisville community.”

Statement from the Kentucky Health Justice Network:

“Kentucky Health Justice Network is frustrated and disappointed that LMPD has chosen to endorse participation in anti-abortion activities by an armed, uniformed LMPD officer, who parked an official LMPD vehicle in the front of the clinic.

The LMPD’s failure to hold this officer accountable defies its claims that ‘for a cop, there’s no such thing as off-duty.’ Instead of upholding their oath to serve and protect they have chosen to allow more harm, contributing to ongoing obstruction, harassment, and assaults on our sidewalks. If sworn officers of the law will not enforce public safety policies, who will? This is a question we have been asking ourselves for some time now. The Department of Justice, currently investigating the LMPD for misconduct, will ask the same question. 

It’s time that the LMPD be true partners in creating safer roads, sidewalks, and communities in Louisville. When the zone is established, LMPD needs to recognize and follow the law.”
 
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