Notable Black Men Speak Out On Recent Developments in the Breyonna Taylor Case

It has been exactly a week since a grand jury indicted Brett Hankison, an officer involved in the Breonna Taylor murder in Kentucky.

Hankison was indicted on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, for firing several rounds outside of Taylor’s apartment on March 13, damaging property and putting neighboring citizens at risk.

And while Hankison did fire his weapons that night, he was not the officer who shot and killed Taylor. Additionally, none of his fellow officers who were present that night were charged.

For months, the country has been waiting to see some type of action taken against the officers for the death of Taylor, an unarmed Black woman who was killed when police entered her home with no knock or warning.

Unfortunately, the recent developments in the case have not been anywhere close satisfactory for thousands of people who have protested and advocated for justice on Taylor’s behalf.

Like others in disbelief, many notable Black men have shared their disappointment with this news.

“Brett Hankison is indicted for shooting into the apartment NEXT to Breonna Taylor & not for KILLING HER. He’s fired for shooting into BREONNA TAYLOR’S apartment & not for KILLING HER. This is systemic racism. Property is worth more than a Black woman.” — W. Kamau Bell, comedian, TV host, via Twitter.

“The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people. #BreonnaTaylor #SayHerName #AbolishThePolice.” — Colin Kaepernick, via Twitter.

“It’s really disappointing because justice should be served for her death, Breonna Taylor, and this movement in general, Black Lives Matter, and understanding the neglect of not only Black people but colored people in general. The injustices and the police brutality and the systematic racism and everything of that nature. It’s bigger than just sports or politics or the color of your skin. It’s about how you treat people.” — Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins, via press conference.

"I’ve been lost for words today! I’m devastated, hurt, sad, mad! We want Justice for Breonna yet justice was met for her neighbors apartment walls and not her beautiful life. Was I surprised at the verdict. Absolutely not but damnit I was & still am hurt and heavy hearted!" — Lebron James, via Twitter.

"Of course I'm upset about the Breonna Taylor verdict," he said. "It seems that not only should the cops have been charged, but it seems like the whole chain of command should have been reprimanded for such a heinous act. A woman's life was lost for absolutely nothing." — Chris Rock, during a Good Morning America interview.

“It’s all kind of numbing. On one hand it’s like I KNOW I’m not crazy there’s a real problem in our country. On the other I’m sad that everyone doesn’t see it and some don’t want to. Of course I know God is at work. It’s just tough to process it all. #BreonnaTaylor” — Lecrae, recording artist, via Twitter.

"I’m grieving for Breonna and her family. I’m grieving for so many other families that have had these interactions with police, that have had these killings caused by police that have gone with no accountability. It continues to happen. The system is not broken — it’s working exactly how it was designed.” — John Legend, during an MSNBC interview.

“I don’t have many words right now.... but all I can say is I’m praying for the city of Louisville right now!!!” — Donovan Mitchell, NBA player, former Louisville Cardinals player, via Twitter.

“No amount of money has ever brought a life back. Ask yourself ‘Why so long for Breonna Taylor?’” — Stevie Wonder, in a video message.