National Urban League Rejoices in the Wake of Officers Being Charged in Breonna Taylor's Case and Renews Calls for Police Accountability

WASHINGTON, DC (August 5, 2022) – Today, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, made the following statement after the Department of Justice charged four current and former Louisville Metro Police Department officers for the March 2020 shooting of Breonna Taylor: 

 

“Yesterday, was a huge step towards justice for the Taylor family. More than two years after Breonna’s death, the officers involved in obtaining the search warrant that led to her murder were charged with a federal crime. As we celebrate this win for her family and the Louisville community, we must acknowledge the work of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice, the FBI and others who helped with this investigation to ensure the officers involved were held responsible. To the activists on the ground and our Louisville affiliate that mobilized every day in an effort to make the nation aware of Breonna’s story, we thank you as well. 

 

“The lack of accountability shown in every aspect of Breonna’s case is one of the reasons the National Urban League released its 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust. This proposal would work to restore the community’s trust in law enforcement but also address the many issues we saw in Breonna Taylor’s case, including changing divisive policing policies like the use of no-knock warrants, investigating police misconduct, and ensuring we hold police accountable in court. This holistic approach is needed and necessary if we want to rid our communities of discriminatory and violent police practices and make them feel safe.

 

“As a father and grandfather, I could not fathom the grief felt by Breonna’s loved ones and all those affected by the events of March 13, 2020. I stand in solidarity with her mother, family, and community in their continued fight for justice, and I look forward to hearing updates from the Department of Justice on this case.”

Read the Louisville Urban League’s entire statement here.