A former Louisville police officer has been convicted of violating Breonna Taylor’s civil rights, reigniting discussions about police accountability and reform.
At a Glance
- Brett Hankison found guilty of civil rights abuse during 2020 raid that led to Breonna Taylor’s death
- Hankison fired blindly into Taylor’s apartment, violating police training
- Conviction comes after multiple trials and renewed calls for police accountability
- Taylor’s death sparked nationwide protests and led to “Breonna’s Law” banning no-knock warrants in Kentucky
- Other officers involved in the raid face separate charges
Hankison’s Conviction and Its Implications
Brett Hankison, a former Louisville Metro Police Department officer, has been convicted of civil rights abuse for his role in the 2020 drug raid that resulted in Breonna Taylor’s death. The verdict comes after a series of trials and marks a significant step towards accountability in a case that has captured national attention.
During the raid, Hankison fired five shots through a bedroom window with blinds and a blackout curtain. While none of his shots hit Taylor, his actions were deemed reckless and in violation of police training.
The Department of Justice stated, “Hankison violated LMPD training and the principles of law enforcement when he fired blindly into a crowded apartment complex.”
Former Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Police Officer Found Guilty of Federal Civil Rights Crimes Related to the Breonna Taylor Case
🔗: https://t.co/MfBs0scB2i pic.twitter.com/CdMJy9jwHM
— DOJ Civil Rights Division (@CivilRights) November 2, 2024
The Raid and Its Aftermath
The incident unfolded when officers executed a no-knock warrant at Taylor’s apartment. Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, believing intruders were entering, fired at the detectives, injuring one. Officers returned fire, resulting in Taylor’s death. While Officers John Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove, who shot Taylor, were not charged as their actions were deemed justified, Hankison’s blind firing into the apartment complex drew severe criticism.
“His use of deadly force was unlawful and put Ms. Taylor in harm’s way,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said.
The Louisville Metro Police Department responded to the verdict, stating they “respect the jury’s verdict.”
Broader Implications and Police Reform
Taylor’s death, along with other high-profile cases, sparked nationwide protests and demands for justice. It led to the enactment of “Breonna’s Law” in Kentucky, banning no-knock warrants and potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The case has also brought attention to broader issues in law enforcement. The Innocence Project highlights that half of the exonerated individuals in the last 30 years were wrongfully convicted due to police or prosecutorial misconduct.
While Hankison’s conviction is a big step to many people, this isn’t the end of the road for this case. Two other officers were charged with falsifying an affidavit for the raid, and a third admitted to conspiracy. Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany face charges of deprivation of rights and other offenses, while Kelly Goodlett has pleaded guilty to conspiracy.
“I’m grateful. I’m grateful to God,” said Tamika Palmer, Breonna Taylor’s mother, in response to the verdict.
