Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“On March 13, 2020, the Louisville Police Department executed a no-knock warrant at the home of Breonna Taylor, ultimately ending her life by opening fire on her and her partner. This tragedy should never have occurred, and Breonna Taylor should be alive today. We are holding her mother, Tamika Palmer, and all her loved ones in our hearts as they process this devastating news. Time and again, they have pleaded with the federal government and the State of Kentucky to deliver justice in the wake of her tragic and senseless death. Today, the Trump Administration did the exact opposite.

“The Department of Justice’s recommendation that former Kentucky officer Brett Hankison receive only a one-day sentence is intolerable. The cycle of violence perpetrated on our communities must end—starting with delivering real justice for the victims of a broken and deeply prejudiced system. Shielding the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s killing is not only a profound miscarriage of justice, it also makes clear what this administration truly represents. To them, our lives do not matter. As this administration continues to wreak havoc on our nation’s most vulnerable communities, we will not remain silent.

“The Congressional Black Caucus not only condemns the Department of Justice’s callous recommendation, but also its complete disregard for the value of Black lives. It is unacceptable that our community continues to live in fear of those sworn to protect and serve. We demand justice.”