Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for his role in the 2020 raid that led to the death of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old EMT whose killing sparked nationwide protests.
Hankison was convicted last year of violating Taylor’s civil rights by using excessive force during the early-morning raid. Though he faced up to life in prison, federal prosecutors argued for a lighter punishment, a move that drew criticism from Taylor’s family. After serving his sentence, Hankison will face three years of supervised release.
Hankison, who fired 10 bullets into Taylor’s apartment during the chaotic raid, claimed at trial that he was trying to protect his fellow officers. None of his bullets struck Taylor or her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, but several entered a neighboring apartment where a pregnant woman, a child, and another man were asleep. Prosecutors said his actions broke a fundamental rule: “If you can’t see your target, you can’t shoot.”
Breonna Taylor was shot and killed after plainclothes officers used a no-knock warrant to enter her home while she and Walker were asleep. Believing intruders were breaking in, Walker fired one shot, hitting an officer. Police then unleashed 32 rounds into the apartment.
Hankison is the only officer to face prison time directly tied to the raid. Another former officer, Kelly Goodlett, who admitted to falsifying the affidavit used to obtain the search warrant, will be sentenced next year.
Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said she was thankful Hankison would serve time but felt the sentence didn’t fully deliver justice. Kenneth Walker echoed her sentiment, calling the outcome a “small piece of justice.”
Outside the courthouse, protestors blocked streets, chanting Taylor’s name. Several demonstrators, including Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Austin, were detained by police.
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