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Louisville Mayor Ousts Police Chief Following Fatal Shooting

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer speaks during a news conference, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Louisville, Ky.
AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer speaks during a news conference, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Louisville, Ky.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer are promising more action as protests press on in the wake of another deadly officer-involved shooting over the weekend.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer speaks during a news conference, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Louisville, Ky.
Credit AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer speaks during a news conference, Saturday, May 30, 2020, in Louisville, Ky.

Following Monday's news that police involved in the early morning fatal shooting of restaurant owner David McAtee in West Louisville did not record body camera footage came an announcement from Mayor Fischer.

"This type of institutional failure will not be tolerated," he told press. "Accordingly, I have relieved Steve Conrad of his duties as chief of Louisville Metro Police."

It was a decision Beshear characterized as the right thing to do, saying it "had to happen."

The Democratic governor also announced a Kentucky State Police investigation into Monday's shooting. Beshear said the recordings that are available appear to indicate officers were fired upon during the incident, but he pledged a transparent review that will deliver the facts.

"If it looks bad, you still show it to them. (Kentuckians) deserve the truth and I'm going to make sure that that happens," the governor said, when asked about citizens who are skeptical the state police can deliver a truly independent analysis. "That KSP unit, this commissioner, are committed to it."

Law enforcement authorities say McAtee was shot and killed when officers were called to disperse a large crowd in a parking lot, were shot at, and returned fire. A witness told media the group had nothing to do with the ongoing protests gripping the city.

Copyright 2020 WUKY

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now known as Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and Program Director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.