Breonna Taylor’s Aunt Arrested During Protest in Louisville
On Monday, Breonna Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Austin, was taken into custody outside a Louisville courthouse. This occurred just hours before the sentencing of a former officer, Brett Hankison, who was convicted in connection with the events that led to Taylor’s death.
Austin was among four individuals arrested as protesters gathered outside, expressing discontent over the failed attack that resulted in Taylor’s shooting. Hankison had been found guilty last year of violating Taylor’s civil rights, as reported by various outlets.
When Louisville police arrived at the scene, they discovered protesters blocking traffic and clapping their hands, reportedly surrounding a vehicle. According to police reports, Austin confronted officers, allegedly striking one and shouting at them.
Footage from the incident showed other protesters attempting to enter the same vehicle, escalating tensions in the area.
Matthew Sanders, a spokesperson for the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, criticized the protesters’ actions. He stated, “What we witnessed today was unsafe, unacceptable, and illegal. It’s not acceptable to create disturbances or endanger public safety.”
Austin now faces charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic. She is set to appear in court again on Tuesday.
Hankison, who lost his job at the Louisville Police Department following Taylor’s death in 2020, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for his actions.
Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, expressed her disappointment with the system, saying that while the sentencing wasn’t complete justice, it was at least some form of consequence. She remarked, “Breonna never had a fair chance in that court.”
Following her death, which occurred during a police raid that was intended to be a knock-and-announce warrant, Taylor and her boyfriend were caught in a tragic situation. Her boyfriend, armed with a legally owned firearm, ended up in a confrontation with officers who fired multiple shots into their apartment.
Hankison remains free for the time being, as the Federal Prison Bureau has not yet decided where he will serve his sentence.
