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Kentucky National Guard activated, curfew implemented in response to Louisville protests

Approximately 350 Kentucky National Guard soldiers will be sent to Louisville Saturday afternoon. Mayor Fischer said the curfew will last for two days.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear announced Saturday morning that he is calling up the National Guard to help keep peace in Louisville. 

This comes in response to a second night of protests in downtown Louisville which saw the destruction of property throughout downtown and looting of stores.

"The demonstrations in Louisville have all started peacefully but what we have seen last night and what our intelligence says is going to happen tonight are outside groups moving in trying to create violence to harm everybody who is on those streets," Beshear said.

Additionally a dusk to dawn curfew will be implemented, according to Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

RELATED: A curfew has been implemented in the city of Louisville: Here's what it means for you

“The tone clearly changed last night, the number of people on our street clearly changed last night as well. And this turned from being a peaceful protest into violence and terrorism and looting in the streets of our city," Fischer said in a press briefing Saturday morning. 

The implementation of a dust to dawn curfew will be in effect for at least two days.

A significant amount of protesters are not from Louisville, Louisville Metro Police and Fischer said during a press conference early Saturday morning. 

“Out-of-towners are here, anarchists intending to destroy our city. Louisvillians have to make it clear to them that they are not us, they do not represent the soul of city, they do not represent our intentions to peacefully protest in our city. They do not represent what Breonna Taylor would want as well," Fischer said.

LMPD Special Advisor Jessie Halladay said officers were overwhelmed last night and surrounded.

“These guys were taking Molotov cocktails and they were trying to not create a situation in which other people were injured,” Halladay said.

People came downtown Saturday morning to check out the aftermath of Friday night’s events. But Mayor Fischer says the best way people can help is by staying away.

“If you’re a Louisvillian and you want to help us right now, what you can do is stay home and encourage your friends and family to stay home and work for justice in orderly ways,” Fischer said.

According to Halladay, police made six arrests last night in connection with the protest. Halladay also confirmed that the six officers were injured with two suffering showing concussion symptoms. 

This is a developing story, check back for updates. 

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