Some people are voicing their criticisms against the Louisville Metro Government and the $12 million settlement in the Breonna Taylor case, according to USA Today on Thursday (September 18).
Ryan Nichols is the president of Louisville's River City Fraternal Order of Police. He claims Mayor Greg Fischer betrayed the city's police officers by not supporting them since the protests began on May 28.
"He should be commending the officers for continuing to come into work day in and day out in these conditions," Nichols said. "Perhaps he's testing their resolve. Maybe he doesn't want them to show up for work."
Nichols also said Mayor Fischer and city leaders stood by idly as a protest leader accused officers of murder, USA Today reported. He was speaking about Until Freedom activist Tamika Mallory, who delivered remarks during Tuesday (September 15)'s press conference on the settlement.
Mallory said the community won't feel calm until the cops responsible for Taylor's death are arrested. USA Today also said she called the department corrupt.
"I have to say to you, Mayor Fischer, we want to thank you for your leadership," Mallory said. "But for any reason, if these officers are not indicted, you must instruct your police department to fire every single one of them on the spot. That is called getting justice for Breonna Taylor."
Metro Council President David James responded to Mallory's remarks, saying, "I don’t know if I’d be tossing the word murderer around. All we know is that she was killed. We have no indication if it as done intentionally, recklessly, wantonly or accidentally."
On March 13, 26-year-old Taylor was shot by Louisville police officers five times in her sleep while they were executing a no-knock warrant. Her death and the killing of George Floyd in February have sparked nationwide protests and civil unrest against racial injustice.
City Councilman Anthony Piagentini also said the settlement was made too soon. He added that he doesn't begrudge the settlement, Taylor's estate or her family.
"We need to finish the investigation," Piagentini said. "And if officers did indeed do something illegal or did something wrong in the eyes of the law, they are not above the law. But they must go through the process — a trial."
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