Louisville Protesters Arrested Outside Hankison Sentencing in Breonna Taylor Case
Tensions flared once again in downtown **Louisville** as protesters gathered outside the courthouse where former police officer **Brett Hankison** was being sentenced in connection with the **Breonna Taylor** case. What began as a largely peaceful demonstration quickly turned confrontational when officers moved to clear the courthouse steps, leading to multiple arrests.
Witnesses described a tense but defiant crowd, many holding signs that read “**Justice for Breonna**” and “**Say Her Name.**” Chants echoed through the streets, demanding accountability not just for Hankison, but for systemic changes in policing. As the sentencing hearing continued inside, demonstrators outside knelt in silence, holding candles and photos of Breonna Taylor — the 26-year-old EMT fatally shot in her own apartment during a late-night police raid in March 2020.
Police say several protesters were taken into custody after refusing to disperse when ordered, though organizers insist the crowd had remained peaceful until lines of officers advanced. Cell phone footage circulating on social media shows protesters linking arms and chanting before officers moved in, sparking heated exchanges and scuffles.
Local activist groups condemned the arrests, calling them an attempt to silence voices seeking justice. “They want us to stop showing up,” said one protester, “but as long as Breonna’s name still needs to be said, we’ll be here.”
The scene underscored the deep pain and frustration that still lingers years after Taylor’s death — a tragedy that fueled global protests and became a rallying cry against police violence.
As the sun set over downtown Louisville, the steps of the courthouse remained cordoned off, but protesters vowed to keep returning. “We’re not here for just one verdict,” said another demonstrator. “We’re here to make sure her life wasn’t forgotten.”
