‘No Justice, No Peace’: Protests For Breonna Taylor Sweep U.S.

Topline

Thousands took to the streets in cities across America Wednesday night to protest charges against one of the three Kentucky police officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor some six months ago, because none of the three were charged in her killing and activists believe justice has not been served.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“Make no mistake, we will keep fighting this fight in Breonna’s memory, and we will never stop saying her name,” Ben Crump, civil rights attorney and counsel for Taylor’s family, told CBS News on Wednesday.

Chief Critic

“It is NOT an officer’s duty to gamble with his/her life so you can happily and comfortably resist arrest,” tweeted conservative pundit Tomi Lahren after the charges against Hankinson were announced.

Key Background

Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was sleeping in her bed in March when Hankinson, along with officers Myles Cosgrove and Sergeant Jonathan Mattingly, entered her home on a “no-knock” warrant as part of a drug sting involving her ex-boyfriend. When the officers entered the home, they were met with one gunshot from Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend. The police returned dozens of shots, hitting and killing Taylor in the process. Hankinson’s wanton endangerment charges were focused on him firing into neighboring apartments, and not for killing Taylor. In Kentucky, wanton endangerment is a Class D felony—the lowest level felonious offense—and carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Further Reading

Two Officers Shot During Breonna Taylor Protests, Suspect In Custody (Forbes)

Officer In Breonna Taylor Case Charged With ‘Wanton Endangerment’—Here’s What That Means (Forbes)

Outrage In Louisville After Breonna Taylor Decision (Forbes)

One Officer Charged With ‘Wanton Endangerment’ In Breonna Taylor Case For Danger Posed To Neighbors (Forbes)