In a decision that’s already stirring controversy in the city and around the country, the U.S. Department of Justice has asked that former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison receive just a one-day prison sentence after being convicted of civil rights violations in the 2020 police raid that killed Breonna Taylor. The move has shocked many observers and reignited fierce debate over police accountability.
Hankison’s Actions During the Fatal Raid
Brett Hankison, a former detective with the Louisville Metro Police Department, fired ten rounds into Breonna Taylor’s apartment during a flawed, late-night drug raid in March 2020. None of his bullets struck Taylor, but three went into a neighbor’s apartment where a man, a pregnant woman, and a five-year-old child were staying. Taylor was ultimately killed by another police officer in the confusion that followed her boyfriend firing a shot at the officers, believing an intruder was breaking in.
Conviction, But No Direct Blame for Taylor’s Death
Hankison was found guilty last year on a single count of violating Taylor’s civil rights by using excessive force, but federal prosecutors have emphasized that he did not actually shoot or kill Taylor. The Justice Department’s memo specifically notes:
“Defendant Hankison did not shoot Ms Taylor and is not otherwise responsible for her death.”
The conviction could have brought a life sentence, but the DOJ argued that the sentencing guidelines had been misapplied and were “excessive” for Hankison’s actions, which did not injure anyone.
A Sentence of Just One Day?
Instead of years in prison, the DOJ now recommends Hankison receive one day behind bars—time served, as it matches the amount of time he already spent in custody during booking and first court appearances. After that, he would have three years of supervised release.
Sentencing Details and DOJ Rationale
Hankison’s sentencing is scheduled for July 21. The government’s argument for leniency rests on the grounds that, while his conduct was reckless, it was not the direct cause of a death or injury. Adding to the controversy, the sentencing memo was not signed by any of the usual career prosecutors, but rather by political appointees, a move that has sparked criticism, with some career attorneys reportedly resigning in protest.
Community Reaction and Impact on Police Reform Debate
The death of Breonna Taylor—a 26-year-old Black woman working as a medical technician—became a flashpoint for the Black Lives Matter movement and nationwide protests against police violence. Activists and Taylor’s supporters have reacted with outrage, saying such a minimal sentence highlights the lack of real accountability for police officers involved in fatal shootings of civilians.
What Comes Next
The decision isn’t final until the judge issues a ruling at the sentencing hearing. But already, the DOJ’s position has further polarized an already divided debate about justice and reform in policing.
It’s not clear what, if any, additional federal or local actions might follow. But for many in Louisville and beyond, the story of Brett Hankison—and most importantly of Breonna Taylor—remains far from over.