On Thursday, the Louisville, Ky., Metro Council unanimously passed “Breonna’s Law” — a ban on the type of “no-knock” warrant that led to the killing of Breonna Taylor in March. Mayor Greg Fischer vowed to sign it, saying that the “risk to residents and officers with this kind of search outweigh any benefit.”
Breonna Taylor’s cause has been taken up as part of the global movement seeking justice for black lives. Her name has been chanted all over the world along with those of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and others as her story spread. The 26-year-old was shot in her own home by police executing the now-banned warrant and later died in her hallway according to a family lawsuit.
“This is one of many critical steps on police reform that we’ve taken to create a more peaceful, just, compassionate and equitable community,” Fischer continued.
The family attorney Ben Crump released a statement with Taylor’s mother, praising the law. “Breonna, that’s all she wanted to do was to save lives,” she said. “So with this law, she will be able to continue to do that. So we’re grateful for that.” Taylor was an EMT.
Bre, this is for you! ?? #BreonnasLaw not only BANS no-knock warrants in Louisville, but also requires the use of body cameras by anyone executing a search warrant. Thank you all for your support in advocating for justice!! Let this be part of #BreonnaTaylor’s legacy. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/yBozQ6QJBM
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 12, 2020
For all that, many activists were quick to point out that the three police officers who shot and killed Taylor are still free. On Thursday, the Louisville Metro Police Department released a “virtually blank” incident report of the night’s events. Fischer called the report “unacceptable, full stop.”