Former Louisville Officer Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Breonna Taylor Raid
Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison was sentenced to 33 months in prison on Monday, July 21, 2025, for violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights during the 2020 raid that resulted in her death. Hankison also received three years of supervised probation.
U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings handed down the sentence, rejecting a controversial recommendation from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that Hankison serve only one day in prison. Judge Jennings stated that no prison time "is not appropriate" and expressed concern that more people weren't injured during the raid.
Judge Rejects DOJ Recommendation of Minimal Sentence
The DOJ's sentencing memo, filed on July 16, 2025, recommended that Hankison receive only one day of "time served" and three years of supervised probation. This recommendation marked a significant departure from the DOJ's previous stance during earlier trials under the Biden administration.
The memo, issued under the current leadership appointed by President Donald Trump, argued that "there is no need for a prison sentence to protect the public" from Hankison. It also downplayed his role in Taylor's death, stating that he "did not shoot Ms. Taylor and is not otherwise responsible for her death." Notably, the memo was not signed by the career prosecutors who had originally tried the case.
Hankison's Request for New Trial Denied
Prior to the sentencing, on Friday, July 18, 2025, Judge Jennings denied Hankison's request for a new trial, setting the stage for Monday's sentencing hearing.
The Botched Raid and Breonna Taylor's Death
Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was killed on March 13, 2020, when Louisville police officers executed a "no-knock" warrant on her apartment as part of a drug raid. Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, believing the officers were intruders, fired a warning shot that struck an officer. Officers returned fire, fatally shooting Taylor. No drugs or cash were found in the apartment.
Hankison's Previous Trials and Conviction
In 2022, Hankison was acquitted on state charges of wanton endangerment related to the raid. However, in November 2024, a federal jury convicted him of one count of violating Taylor's civil rights by using excessive force. The charges stemmed from Hankison blindly firing 10 shots into Taylor's apartment, with bullets penetrating into a neighboring unit.
Key Figures and Their Roles
The case has involved several key figures and organizations:
- Breonna Taylor: The victim whose death sparked nationwide protests.
- Brett Hankison: The former officer convicted of violating Taylor's civil rights.
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): The agency responsible for prosecuting the case, whose sentencing recommendation sparked controversy.
- Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings: The U.S. District Judge who imposed the 33-month sentence.
- Breonna Taylor's Family: Advocates for justice in her death.
- Other Former Louisville Officers: Joshua Jaynes, Kyle Meany, and Kelly Goodlett, who face or have faced charges related to the raid.
- Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD): The department under scrutiny for its role in the raid.
Controversy Surrounding DOJ's Recommendation
The DOJ's initial recommendation for a lenient sentence for Hankison drew widespread criticism. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Taylor's family, denounced it as "an insult to the life of Breonna Taylor and a blatant betrayal of the jury's decision." He suggested that it sends a message of impunity to officers who violate the civil rights of Black Americans.
Public Reaction and Protests
The death of Breonna Taylor ignited protests across the nation, calling for racial justice and police accountability. Protests also occurred outside the federal courthouse during Hankison's sentencing.
Impact on Police Accountability and Reform
The Breonna Taylor case remains a central point in discussions about police reform, the use of no-knock warrants, and the accountability of officers involved in controversial incidents. The shifting stance of the DOJ under different administrations highlights the political dimensions of such high-profile cases.
Hankison will now serve 33 months in prison for his role in violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights.
