Justice Department Recommends One Day Jail Sentence for Former Officer in Breonna Taylor Raid

Overview

The Justice Department has recommended a one day jail sentence for former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison, who was involved in the fatal raid that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor. This recommendation has sparked outrage and disappointment among activists and Taylor’s family.

Background

• In March 2020, Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was shot and killed by police officers during a raid on her apartment.
• The officers involved were serving a “no-knock” warrant, which has since been banned in Louisville.
• Hankison was fired from the police force in June 2020 for “blindly” firing 10 shots into Taylor’s apartment.

The Recommendation

The Justice Department’s recommendation for a one day jail sentence for Hankison is for charges of wanton endangerment, a low-level felony. This recommendation is based on the fact that Hankison’s bullets did not hit Taylor, but rather endangered her neighbors.

Reactions

• Taylor’s family and activists have expressed disappointment and anger at the recommendation, calling it a “slap on the wrist” and a lack of accountability for Taylor’s death.
• Many have also pointed out the stark contrast between this recommendation and the harsher sentences often given to Black individuals for lesser crimes.
• The decision on whether to accept the recommendation lies with the judge overseeing the case.

Conclusion

The Justice Department’s recommendation for a one day jail sentence for former officer Brett Hankison in the Breonna Taylor case has sparked outrage and disappointment. Many are calling for more accountability and justice for Taylor’s death.