Kentucky Republican leaders say the governor and the mayor of Louisville aren't doing enough to address ongoing unrest in the heart of the city - and it's time for more action from Frankfort.
In a letter to the Democratic governor, Republican Sen. Julie Raque-Adams described downtown Louisville as a "boarded-up mess" and said the state needs answers when it comes to growing racial tensions, so that "a lot of these groups who are legitimately protesting with legitimate issues... know that we're listening to them."
Gov. Beshear says he's been in dialogue with city officials and faith leaders about solutions, worked on expanded training for some law enforcement in the state, and bolstered police presence when requested. But, he said, the lack of resolution or more explanation in the Breonna Taylor case, currently being investigated by Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, is also fueling discontent.
"It's the elephant in the room if we don't admit that this is the longest investigation of any of these instances I think that we have had in the country, and the longer it goes the more of this we've seen," Beshear said.
But lawmakers believe there may be a role for the General Assembly, with Senate leaders signaling that they would consider new no-knock warrant and police reform legislation if called into special session. Sen. President Robert Stivers also said lawmakers want to "know what the plan is" to help a city he described as "wounded."
Beshear has appeared open to the possibility of calling a special session.
