Louisville officer fired in aftermath of Breonna Taylor shooting death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Officer Brett Hankison was fired for his role in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor, the Louisville Metro Police Department announced Tuesday.

In a letter, interim Chief Robert Schroeder wrote that after a hearing Tuesday, the department decided to fire Hankison, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported. 

Hankison has 10 days to file an appeal in writing with the merit board, the letter said.

Hankison was one of three officers who have been on administrative leave since they served a warrant at Taylor’s house on March 13, and one of at least two who fired weapons. Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Officer Myles Cosgrove remain on administrative paid leave.

David Leightty, an attorney for Hankison, did not immediately return a request for comment, the Courier-Journal reported.

“It’s another good, small step,” Sam Aguiar, an attorney for Taylor’s family, told the newspaper. “We won’t be satisfied until rightful charges are brought against him, until charges are brought against everyone responsible for Breonna’s death.”

According to Hankison’s termination letter, the Louisville Metro Police Department said the officer violated procedures when he “blindly” fired 10 rounds into Taylor’s apartment, WHAS reported.

Cox Media Group