LOUISVILLE, Ky — Sunday marked the six-month anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death at the hands of Louisville Metro Police Department officers during a no-knock warrant at her apartment.
Members of the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist And Political Repression held a press conference on the occasion, calling for Louisville city and police leaders to address issues they have related to Taylor’s death.
“The city, the leadership of the city, LMPD and their leadership do not value Black lives,” protester Kahlilah Collins said. “They continue to show us that they don’t care about what happens to the people of this community.”
The group pressed on matters they want city officials to address, including the response to protests in downtown Louisville during the Kentucky Derby.
“The failure to even attempt to protect the people at Breonna Square Park from the white militia is inexcusable,” Kentucky Alliance board member K.A. Owens said.
Owens was referencing Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville, where protesters have gathered for more than 100 straight days.
“No one was there to protect us,” Collins said.
The group also expressed hope after the hiring of Yvette Gentry to be Louisville’s next interim police chief, effective Oct. 1, but with a caveat.
“We hope she has not only been hired to bear the burden of possible unrest as the result of whatever decision the Attorney General of Kentucky, Daniel Cameron, makes in regards to the Breonna Taylor case,” Owens said. In any case, Chief Gentry cannot be successful without good communication with all elements of the community.”