Breonna Taylor
Breonna Taylor was an African American emergency medical technician from Louisville, Kentucky, who was killed by police on March 13, 2020, during the execution of a search warrant at her home.
Breonna Taylor (June 5, 1993 – March 13, 2020) was an African American emergency medical technician from Louisville, Kentucky. She was killed by police on March 13, 2020, during the execution of a no-knock search warrant at her home. Her death became a major focus of protests against police violence and no-knock warrants in the United States.
Early life
Breonna Taylor was born on June 5, 1993, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later lived in Louisville, Kentucky, where she worked as an emergency medical technician.
Death
On March 13, 2020, police officers entered Taylor's apartment in Louisville while executing a no-knock warrant. Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot after believing the apartment was being broken into. Police returned fire, killing Taylor.
Legal aftermath
The case led to investigations, widespread protests, a wrongful death settlement, and criminal proceedings related to the raid. One former Louisville detective, Brett Hankison, was charged in connection with the raid, but the charges were not for directly causing Taylor's death; other officers were not charged in her death. Public attention centered on accountability for the officers involved and the use of no-knock warrants.
Breonna's Law
Breonna's Law is the name commonly used for reforms adopted in Louisville after Taylor's death. The measures restricted no-knock warrants and required additional safeguards such as body cameras for officers serving warrants.
Key facts
- Taylor was born on June 5, 1993, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later lived in Louisville, Kentucky.
- She was shot and killed in her apartment during a police raid executed under a no-knock search warrant.
- Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot after believing the apartment was being broken into, and police returned fire.
- Her death became a national symbol in debates over police conduct, racial injustice, and warrant practices.
- Louisville later adopted local reforms commonly referred to as Breonna's Law, including limits on no-knock warrants and body-camera requirements.
Taylor's case drew international attention, including in Canada, as part of broader discussions about police accountability, racial justice, and reform of warrant practices.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Breonna Taylor?
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What is the Breonna Taylor law?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breonna_TaylorSupports: Birth date, death date, age, and overview of Taylor's death.
- BlackPast — https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/breonna-taylor-1993-2020/Supports: Biographical details, birthplace, occupation, and death context.
- U.S. Congress — https://www.congress.gov/117/meeting/house/111301/documents/HHRG-117-JU08-20210311-SD011.pdfSupports: Description of the death, protests, and the indictment of Brett Hankison for wanton endangerment.
- Stanford University — https://www.stanford.edu/exhibits/saytheirnames/feature/breonna-taylorSupports: Biographical details, police raid context, and Louisville reforms.
- NPR — https://www.npr.org/2020/06/04/869930040/as-the-nation-chants-her-name-breonna-taylors-family-grieves-a-life-robbedSupports: Circumstances of the raid, age, and aftermath.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52956167Supports: Public response, lack of early charges, and legal aftermath.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/06/us/breonna-taylor-louisville-trndSupports: Breonna's Law in Louisville and charges against Brett Hankison.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54210448Supports: Charge against Brett Hankison for wanton endangerment and settlement details.