Donald Trump's U.S. Department of Justice has made clear the value it places on the loss of a Black life - none

In a move taken right out of the Jim Crow era, the DOJ is recommending no prison time for the only LMPD officer or former officer convicted in the death of Breanna Taylor, the young Black woman who was killed in a botched police raid on her apartment in 2020. Her death set off months-long street protests in Louisville and other cities across the country.

Former LMPD Brett Hankison was convicted by a federal jury earlier this year of violating Taylor’s civil rights. He didn’t fire the shots that killed Taylor, but even his fellow officers testified that he carelessly fired his weapon into the apartment during the raid. The DOJ claims the prosecution was excessive and expressed concern for his safety if he is sent to prison.

If the presiding judge follows the recommendation, Hankison would receive a one-day sentence. But he would not serve a single day because he would be given credit for the day he was booked and made his first court appearance. He faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison when he is scheduled to be sentenced next week.

The Louisville Branch NAACP said the decision clearly signals the value the Trump administration places on the loss of a Black life and continues a pattern of callous disregard for the rule of law.

“The Trump administration is making no pretenses about its position on race," said Raymond Burse, president of the Louisville NAACP. "This is racism in its purest form, and it’s happening in plain sight for everyone to see. This should be a warning to every citizen in this country about the danger this administration poses. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that gives the green light for racist, rogue police officers to  kill Black people without fear of punishment.”

The NAACP is imploring the federal judge in the case to ignore the DOJ recommendation and deliver justice for Breanna Taylor, her family, and the citizens the judge was appointed to serve.

ADOPTED AT LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, THIS 17th DAY OF JULY 2025.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE LOUISVILLE BRANCH

/s/ Raymond M. Burse: Raymond M. Burse, President

/s/ Elizabeth Caples: Elizabeth Caples, 1st Vice President

/s/ Vador Warfield: Vador Warfield, 2nd Vice President

/s/ Wanda Mitchell Smith: Wanda M. Smith, 3rd Vice President

/s/ Kellye Cunningham: Kellye Cunningham, Secretary

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