Louisville Passes ‘Breonna’s Law’ Banning No-Knock Warrants
Louisville’s Metro Council voted unanimously to ban no-knock warrants after a failed police raid ended Breonna Taylor’s life in March.
George Floyd’s death has inspired global protests against police brutality, racism, and white supremacy. Since May, the movement has also raised awareness for other people of color who have died during encounters with law enforcement. Like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor’s name has become a rallying cry against police violence.
In March, Breonna Taylor was killed when police forcefully entered her home during an attempted drug raid. Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, called 911 and fired a warning shot, thinking the police were intruders. The police then opened fire, shooting Taylor eight times.
It was later revealed that she and Walker had no criminal history, and the police found no drugs in the home during the raid.
In recent weeks, protesters in Kentucky and around the United States have demanded justice for Breonna Taylor. Among other demands, protesters implored the city of Louisville to ban no-knock warrants, which allow police to enter a home without permission of the resident.
On June 11, the Metro Council passed a law banning no-knock searches. The ordinance, titled Breonna’s Law, also requires police to record all searches using body cameras. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer signed the law on June 12.
With a profound sense of hope, I’ve signed Breonna’s Law. This bans no-knock warrants & makes permanent my step last month to suspend their use, which clearly brings greater risk than benefit. It also requires an active body camera whenever a search warrant is served. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/gpB8l2Gg3h
— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) June 12, 2020
While protesters are pleased with the city’s decision, they have other unmet demands. As Representative Ilhan Omar reminded her followers on Twitter, the officers who shot Breonna have not been charged with a crime.
The police who murdered Breonna Taylor are STILL walking free.
Breonna’s Law passed unanimously in Louisville.
We won’t see true justice until the officers are held accountable.
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) June 14, 2020
Many have celebrated Breonna’s Law, but the country still mourns her death. Leaders and activists know there is more work to be done. To end police brutality and systemic racism, Breonna’s Law is just one important step in the right direction.
