Three plainclothes police officers with troubling pasts burst into the wrong apartment while Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker slept. What took place is devastating for so many reasons - but especially because Breonna was someone we need the most right now.
She was a frontline medical worker, a decorated EMT, who is especially important given the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Police had a "no-knock" search warrant, but were at the WRONG apartment! That didn’t stop them from doing something outrageous.
They shot Breonna eight times, recklessly spraying bullets everywhere. It’s a miracle no one else was hit.
Her boyfriend called 9-1-1 before trying to defend against the intruders with his legally-owned, licensed firearm. Despite this, he’s facing an assault charge and attempted murder on a police officer!
Even if Breonna or Kenneth had a criminal record, or drugs - which they DIDN’T - that wouldn’t deserve DEATH. She was executed, without a trial, because of police incompetence, in a violent assault that treated them like her life didn’t matter at all.
This senseless killing has brought about a much-needed uproar and response.
Breonna’s family is suing, and people are demanding Kenneth’s release. We can’t accept what happened to her, because it’s a complete travesty and injustice.
All Black life matters, but it’s especially horrific to kill someone who’s saving lives every day. Rest in peace, Breonna.