Two Louisville police officers were shot Wednesday night amid protests that erupted after the indictment of just one cop involved in the death of Breonna Taylor — and for charges related to the “endangerment” of her white neighbors.
Breonna Taylor’s death poured into America’s streets as protesters lashed out at a criminal justice system they say is stacked against Black people.
Hundreds of demonstrators chanted Taylor’s name and marched in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Las Vegas.
People gathered in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park, chanting demands for justice as passing drivers on Michigan Avenue honked their horns.
While protests in Louisville had been largely peaceful, scuffles broke out between police and protesters, and some people were arrested before the two officers were shot while investigating reports of gunfire Wednesday night.
Interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder said a suspect was in custody but did not offer details about whether that person was participating in the protests. He says both officers are expected to recover, and one was undergoing surgery.
Along with George Floyd, a Black man killed by police in Minneapolis in May, Taylor’s name became a rallying cry during nationwide protests that called attention to entrenched racism and demanded police reform. Taylor’s image has been painted on streets, emblazoned on protest signs, and silk-screened on T-shirts worn by celebrities.
The FBI is still investigating potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid at Taylor’s home on March 13.
After the announcement in Kentucky, Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor’s family, denounced the decision as “outrageous and offensive.” Protesters shouted, “No justice, no peace!” took to the streets, while others sat quietly and wept. 