LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey calls for bar cooperation and earlier closing after Highlands shootings

Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said Louisville faced another violent weekend in the Highlands, including two separate shootings that occurred early Sunday, prompting him to publicly press for tighter late-night controls by bars and patrons.

In remarks reported by WAVE, Humphrey expressed frustration with the cycle of gun violence in the Highlands and urged people to avoid conditions that raise the risk of confrontations. He told residents that if they “can’t get right, don’t go out,” linking the violence to choices made by individuals during late-night activity.

Humphrey also called on bar operators and patrons to cooperate with efforts aimed at preventing gunfire, arguing that steps such as changing operating hours can affect how long crowds remain in entertainment areas. He said his proposal would shift the end of business from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m., a move he framed as a practical way to reduce the time when late-night disputes can escalate.

The chief’s comments come as LMPD continues to respond to shootings in the city’s nightlife corridor. While Humphrey did not, in the reported account, provide additional specifics on the incidents, the article described the weekend as including two separate early Sunday shootings tied to the Highlands entertainment area.

His remarks centered on what he described as shared responsibility, with him directing attention not only to law enforcement response but also to the behavior of people going out and the policies of establishments that serve alcohol during late hours.

The reported discussion did not identify suspects, outcomes, or charges in connection with the weekend shootings, nor did it describe any specific enforcement action tied to the chief’s call for earlier closing. Humphrey’s proposal was presented as a policy-oriented request for changes that could reduce opportunities for violent encounters.

It was not immediately clear from the report what formal process would be required to change closing times or which city or state approvals would be necessary. Any adjustment to business operating rules would typically require public action by the relevant local authorities and compliance with Kentucky and Louisville ordinances, along with coordination among law enforcement, regulators, and business operators.