Mayor-President Josh Guillory Given Police Detail Following Threats

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory will be getting security detail following recent threats he's received over the past several weeks.

The Lafayette Police Department will provide detectives to watch over Guillory's home and they'll also accompany him at all council meetings.

"The Lafayette Police Department takes these threats seriously," Public Information Officer Sgt. Wayne Griffin said. "Threatening a public official is illegal and punishable by law."

Griffin also said the mayor-president's security would be scaled back once threats are no longer deemed viable.

This added security will not come at any additional cost to taxpayers.

"These officers are already on duty, and therefore not costing any additional monies, or expenses or overtime pay."

This is not uncommon according to Griffin. Dignitary protection detail has been used by former mayors and city leaders in the past.

Guillory has come under heavy scrutiny lately for closing four Lafayette community centers. An overflow crowd at Tuesday's council meeting urged him to rethink his decision.

As has been the case for most municipalities across the country, Lafayette has seen millions in revenue losses during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the mayor has been forced to make major cuts across many areas.