Louisville Mayor's Remarks For Attorney General Daniel Cameron's Announcement For Breonna Taylor Case

Press release from the City of Louisville:

September 23, 2020

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer's remarks in response to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's announcement regarding the Breonna Taylor case:

First, my deepest condolences go out once again to the loved ones of Breonna Taylor. To Breonna’s mother, Ms. Palmer, no parent should ever have to go through pain like this. I am deeply, deeply sorry for your loss.

For months, the people of our city and people across our country have been waiting to learn the truth in the case of the tragic death of Breonna Taylor.

It’s been a long and agonizing wait.

Today, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced three charges of Wanton Endangerment in the 1st degree against Officer Brett Hankison.

The Grand Jury’s conclusions confirmed our decision to terminate Officer Hankison from Louisville Metro Police on June 23. As was said in his termination letter, Hankison’s actions displayed an extreme indifference to the value of human life; his actions brought discredit upon himself and the department; and his conduct demanded termination.

But I know there are people in our community who feel that these charges fall short of achieving justice.

First, we must remember that this case is far from over:

The FBI is still conducting its own investigation, which the Department of Justice will review to determine whether there was any violation of federal laws, including Civil Rights violations.

And, LMPD is conducting a Professional Standards Unit investigation to determine if any policies and procedures were violated by officers involved in the case. The Chief of Police will use that report to determine if any officers need further training or discipline.

But it is clear that there are policies and procedures that must be changed.

Because Breonna Taylor should be alive.

We have made numerous changes already – signing Breonna’s Law, and the reforms included in our landmark settlement with Breonna’s family.

And, when the top-to-bottom review of LMPD and the Sentinel Event Review of this case is complete, we will make more changes, because we must do everything we can to make sure tragedies like this never happen again.

And police reform is just one aspect of the work we need to do.

Because justice for Breonna Taylor must be about more than just the decision announced earlier today by the Attorney General.

Justice for Breonna also means a commitment to eliminating systemic and structural racism in our city and our country, to closing the unconscionable racial gaps in wealth, education, health and opportunity.

You have my solemn oath that I am committed to that work.

And this work requires all of us to together create a future that doesn’t repeat the mistakes of the past. That’s the challenge and the opportunity that we’re facing in this rare moment.

And, in this moment, a moment of pain and anger for many, I have a message to Louisville:

Turn to each other – not on each other.

Use your passion, energy and commitment to shape the city we all want – a city of peace, a city of justice, a city of equity. Together let’s create the Louisville we all deserve.

Remember, Louisville and the nation: We’ve been here before. There have been protests before. There have been cries for racial justice before, because racism has haunted our nation since its founding days.

And, unless all of us commit to ending racism, we will be here again.

But our history is not our destiny.

And while we have much work to do, this is also a time of hope for our city and country.

I am convinced that the movement shaking our city and country will lead to a better tomorrow.

That is the work ahead of us. Let’s seize this opportunity.

Thank you.

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.