71 arrested in protest over death of Breonna Taylor

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — What organizers billed as a “massive demonstration” over the death of Breonna Taylor led to the arrests of more than 70 protesters on Tuesday.

The demon st rati on marks the end of BreonnaCon, a four-day event meant to draw attention to her case.

The event was organized by New York-based social justice organization Until Freedom, which was behind the July sit-in at Attorney General Daniel Cameron's house t hat resulted in 87 arrests.

The group' s leaders have been in Louisville for the past month to lead protests in the name of Taylor and racial justice.

At least 64 people were arrested as of 5:30 p.m. local time, charged with obstructing a roadway and disorderly conduct. Seven more people were arrested later Tuesday night, according to LMPD spokesman Dwight Mitchell, for a total of 71 Tuesday arrests.

Until Freedom cofounders Linda Sarsour and Mysonne Linen were among t he protesters arrested, as well as “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Porsha Williams.

The arrests happened after at least 300 protesters gathered at South Central Park earlier in the afternoon, chanting Breonna Taylor's name. They planned to march to the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy.

“We are here to fight for justice for Breonna Taylor ,” Sarsour said Tuesday.

Police officers blocked a street and sidewalk along the protest route.

“It is illegal to block the road. Please get out of the road, or you will be arrested ,” police announced as dozens of officers wearing helmets, face screens and holding wooden sticks, halted the progress of the march.

Police allowed protesters to pass on a sidewalk in the area.

When police announced it is illegal to block a road, protesters yelled back “it's illegal to murder.”

People who tried to pass the line of police officers were arrested. After the arrests began, the crowd shrunk significantly in size. Sarsour was among those arrested.

The Louisville Metro Police Department designated Tuesday as an “All Work-Day,” meaning all LMPD personnel will be available for duty.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer previously said his hope and expectation is that the protests will be peaceful.