Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson, chair of the California Assembly Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Police Reform responds to the Kentucky Grand Jury Findings in the murder of Breonna Taylor.
“Today’s announcement that Louisville, Kentucky Officer Brett Hankison was not charged in the wrongful death of Breonna Taylor, 26, but for ‘wonton endangerment in the 1st degree’ was the wrong decision by the Grand Jury. Additionally, the other two officers involved were not charged at all.
“In the very least, an indictment for manslaughter would have been more appropriate than wonton endangerment which translates into firing haphazardly without a clear path. Afterall, an innocent life was taken.
“Although the civil lawsuit awarded the family with $12 million, it doesn’t address the failure of law enforcement. Additionally, if this problem is not addressed at the root, more innocent people will die at the hands of law enforcement; settlements will continue to drain cities and the cycle will continue with no real change. This has to stop.
“The Grand Jury decision speaks to the ongoing lack of value of Black lives. Not speaking up for this injustice is the same as being complicit with their decision.”
