IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Breonna Taylor decision draws outrage from celebrities, authors, activists

"Wanton endangerment. That's nothing," author N.K. Jemisin said. "A life should be worth more."
Image: Jefferson Square
People gather in Jefferson Square in Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday.Darron Cummings / AP

A Kentucky grand jury's decision to indict one officer in the Breonna Taylor case on charges of wanton endangerment drew outrage Wednesday from some celebrities, authors and activists on Twitter.

"Wanton endangerment. That's nothing," author N.K. Jemisin said. "A life should be worth more."

Former Louisville police Officer Brett Hankison, who was fired in June, was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment in connection with the March 13 police raid at Breonna Taylor's apartment that led to her death.

The grand jury accused Hankison of firing blindly into several apartments and recklessly endangering Taylor's neighbors during the raid, but it did not charge him with firing at or killing Taylor.

The two other officers who fired shots during the raid, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Miles Cosgrove were not charged. Cosgrove fired the shot that killed Taylor, authorities say.

During a news conference Wednesday announcing the grand jury report, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron urged the public not to be swayed by celebrities, influencers or activists who do not "understand the facts" of the case.

"Little Fires Everywhere" star Kerry Washington reminded the public that Cameron was on President Donald Trump's shortlist of potential nominees to replace Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

"Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump's short list as replacement of #RBG on the Supreme Court," Washington tweeted. "The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing #BreonnaTaylor. Vote."

"This is NOT what #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor looks like!" the NAACP tweeted after the announcement.

Celebrities like singer Ella Mai extended their condolences to the Taylor family.

"My heart is broken for the family of Breonna Taylor. Once again we're left with nothing that they try to make seem as something," the singer posted on Twitter.

Others, like actress Viola Davis and actor Anthony Rapp, shared a few words: "Black Lives Matter."

Author Roxane Gay expressed sadness along with determination.

"This country will break your heart at every possible turn," Gay wrote on Twitter. "But Breonna Taylor and her murder will not be forgotten. This injustice will not be forgotten."