CINCINNATI, Ohio — The announcement that no murder charges will be filed against the Louisville police officers who killed Breonna Taylor has sparked protests around the country — including right here in Ohio.

What You Need To Know

  • Protesters in Cincinnati gathered and marched outside the Hamilton County Courthouse in response to the Breonna Taylor case

  • No murder charges were filed against the officers involved in her death

  • Protesters and organizers say they are outraged and demand the case be reopened and reinvestigated

A growing number of protesters gathered outside of the Hamilton County Court Wednesday night to display their frustration and anger for the lack of serious charges filed in Taylor’s death. 

Earlier Wednesday, a Kentucky grand jury announced former officer Brett Hankison, one of three officers involved in Taylor's death, is facing wanton endangerment charges. No other charges were announced. 

One of the many people protesting was Corey Robinson, who said he’s fed up. 

“I’m flabbergasted to be honest—I think that’s the best word. I can’t understand how somebody can go in somebody’s house and shoot them eight times and just walk away,” Robinson said.

He said it’s unacceptable for the police involved in the fatal shooting to not be prosecuted to the same extent as a normal citizen. 

“It breaks our heart, and it could be any of us. That’s my main thing is this could be me,” he said. “Breonna Taylor could be me. It could be you. I’m not about to be silent when somebody doesn’t get justice that they deserve.”
 
He said cities like Cincinnati are ready to stand up for what is right. 

“We are not about to be silent,” he said. “It’s not happening. You’re not gonna kill us and then we just sit here and not do anything if we have to take it into our own hands as you can see that’s what we’re gonna do.”

Protest organizer Brian Taylor said he’s outraged, but not surprised. 

“The conglomeration of examples we see around the country time and time again of grand juries he’s not convicting police and not even having trials that are based on murder is the rule of the day,” Taylor said. “And it basically means that it’s legal de facto, to kill not just Black people, but with the scope on Black people in the United States.”

Iris Roley, project manager for the Cincinnati Black United Front and Leaders of the Free World, said the decision speaks volumes for why people protest and continue to make their voices heard.

“In the Black community, we're used to it,” Roley said. "We’re almost expecting nothing from the people that are supposed to protect us. The people who are supposed to ensure protection for us and I think it’s just horrible. I think it’s just horrible for every family that’s ever lost any individual, any family member at the hands of the police. It is not reassuring to know that cops can kill without any repercussions at all.”

Robinson said he wants the injustice and pain to stop.

“I’m so tired of every week making another sign for another victim,” Robinson said. “Another person brutally murdered or beat by the police. It has to stop. This is it. We’re done.”

He said he and other protesters are here for the long haul until Breonna’s case is reopened. 

“We are all out here asking for them to prosecute the police—this is ridiculous,” Robinson said. “They are human beings just like us, when you take your uniform off you were just like me. You should be prosecuted how I would.”y

Protests continue in Louisville. Late Wednesday night, two officers were shot shortly before curfew went into effect. Several fires were also set.