Breonna Taylor grand jury decision prompts peaceful protests in Center City

Peaceful protest in Center City after Breonna Taylor grand jury decision

Chris O'Connell reports

PHILADELPHIA - A group of protesters gathered near Philadelphia's City Hall Wednesday night following the latest developments in the Breonna Taylor case in Louisville, Kentucky.

Protesters gathered near City Hall around 7 p.m. and began marching through other parts of Center City at approximately 8 p.m.

Philadelphia officials say they were prepared for potential protests and large crowds after a grand jury indicted a single former police officer for shooting into neighboring apartments, but did not move forward with charges against any officers for their role in Breonna Taylor’s death.

Protesters gather outside Philadelphia City Hall after grand jury decision in Breonna Taylor case.

Protesters gathered outside City Hall then marched through the city after a grand jury declined to directly indict any officers in the death of Breonna Taylor

Immediately after the announcement, Philadelphia officials said they were aware of one planned protest Wednesday evening. They added that additional demonstrations were expected to develop in real-time.

The Philadelphia Police Department increased officer presence in Center City, including in commercial areas and other key locations. Officers were also deployed to commercial areas around the city.

Protesters gather outside City Hall after Breonna Taylor grand jury decision

Protesters gathered outside Philadelphia City Hall following a grand jury decision in the Breonna Taylor case.

"I know that many Philadelphians are feeling disappointed, frustrated, and even outraged, following today’s announcement by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron,” said Mayor Kenney. “The City of Philadelphia fully supports the First Amendment rights of our residents, but we also want to ensure that any demonstration activity that happens is done in a safe, lawful manner. We are not aware of any specific threats of violence or looting, but we are sharing guidance to help businesses be prepared in case the situation escalates.”

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Drivers should expect some delays in the area of City Hall, officials say.

In a statement released Wednesday, officials made it clear they were not recommending all storefront businesses board up their doors and windows. Instead, they suggested, "businesses that are openly accessible because of past vandalism or other reasons should board up so that their properties are properly sealed off."