Taylor Harrison

The Courier-Journal

Threats of a violent crime outbreak on Friday evening — based on the movie "The Purge" — are being taken seriously by police.

Police in both Louisville and Jeffersonville, Ind., said they are aware of the "Louisville Purge" threats circulating on Twitter and will have officers ready to respond.

In the movie, a mob kills people during a fictitious 12-hour period where all criminal activity becomes legal.

Louisville police spokesman Sgt. Phil Russell said the police "take any threat that would incite violence on our community seriously."

He said their investigation has not identified any specific threats; they have only come across general information that goes along with crime that happened in the movie.

However, Russell said with the trend in the nation of mob violence and violent outbreaks, "it would be prudent for us to monitor it and to be ready for any possibility."

Russell said he doesn't know if the intent of the original poster of the "Louisville Purge" idea — which says the purge will take place from 8 p.m. Friday until 6:30 a.m. Saturday — was to be taken seriously. But now the police have to watch out for any criminals who might use it as a catalyst to exact violence in the community.

He said a lot of officers were already supposed to be on patrol Friday for various other events, such as the Kentucky State Fair, so the department will be adequately staffed and prepared.

Jeffersonville Police Maj. Josh Lynch said his department had received calls from concerned citizens about the threats.

Lynch said the department decided to beef up patrols and develop contingency plans in case something did happen.

"In law enforcement, we have to take all threats serious," he said.

Both Jeffersonville and Louisville police are encouraging anyone who sees something suspicious or witnesses a crime to report it.

Reporter Taylor Harrison can be reached at 502-582-4589. Follow her on Twitter at Taylorharrison5.