Local law enforcement hoping to attend a Lee Brice concert at the Louisville Palace were turned away Wednesday because each officer was carrying a concealed weapon. Live Nation has a strict no weapons policy for all of its venues, including the Palace.
According to Louisville's Fraternal Order of Police President Dave Mutchler, when three off duty Louisville Metro Police Officers and a one Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy were searched, they were turned away.
Mutchler told WDRB that all Louisville officers are required to be armed even when they're off duty.
"To have police officers who are not working there who are off duty who are at the event and potentially able to assist or respond seems to be something that would be helpful," Mutchler said.
LMPD Chief Steve Conrad released a statement saying he was surprised that Live Nation would not want armed officers at the event:
"We were surprised to learn that some off-duty LMPD officers were denied entry last night to an event at the Louisville Palace because they were carrying a firearm. It is our job to do what we can to keep our community safe. To that end, our officers are required to be armed at all times while in Jefferson County. Given today's climate, we would think most businesses would welcome armed and well trained police officers, on or off-duty, to help out should there be a problem. We hope we are able to work with the management of the Louisville Palace to find some resolution to this situation."
In addition, Mutchler said the four officers identified themselves before being checked with metal detectors and wands. He added that he's concerned by Live Nation's policy because security devices don't pick up on everything.
"It makes you think what if they weren't police officers? Now we have somebody in there who is armed and we have officers in there who aren't armed.That doesn't seem to make a lot of sense."
According to state and federal law, officers are legally allowed to carry a concealed weapon. The FOP hopes to reach an agreement with Live Nation on a policy change. If not, Mutchler says he plans to lobby the state legislature for a new law.
WDRB reached out to Live Nation and the Louisville Palace. Live Nation has not returned our calls and Palace officials said they would not be releasing a statement.