Former Louisville police officer sentenced for violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights
Hankison, 49, was convicted last year of violating Taylor's civil rights, which could have resulted in a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, handed down the sentence on Monday afternoon.
Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal judge to sentence him to just one day in prison and three years of supervised probation, noting in a court filing that he "did not shoot Ms. Taylor and is not otherwise responsible for her death."
"It is unfathomable that, after finally securing a conviction, the Department of Justice would seek a sentence so drastically below the federal guidelines," a statement from national civil rights attorneys Ben Crump, Lonita Baker and Sam Aguiar, who represent the family of Taylor, said in a statement.
"This sets a dangerous precedent. When a police officer is found guilty of violating someone's constitutional rights, there must be real accountability and justice," it said.
Taylor, a Black woman, was killed by police in 2020 after they executed a no-knock warrant during a botched raid of her home. Her boyfriend, who was carrying a legally owned firearm, shot at police, prompting them to fire back 22 times into the apartment.
Her death, as well as the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, sparked mass racial justice protests around the country.
The Civil Rights Division during former Democratic President Joe Biden's tenure brought criminal charges against the officers involved in both Taylor and Floyd's death.
A separate jury deadlocked on federal charges against Hankison in 2023, and he was acquitted on state charges of wanton endangerment in 2022.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
13 minutes ago
- Axios
What are the Epstein files? All you need to know
Calls for the Trump administration to release the remaining Epstein files are growing. The big picture: Attorney General Pam Bondi released in February more than 100 pages of documents that she described as the "first phase of the declassified Epstein files," but she faced scrutiny over why the lack of significant new revelations — something she blamed on the FBI. The Department of Justice's handling of evidence in the case has triggered a rare conflict between President Trump and his MAGA base — and prompted a Republican-led House committee to pass a Democrat's motion to subpoena the Justice Department on the Epstein files. What are the Epstein files? The Epstein files are the evidence gathered by law enforcement working on investigations into the late financier and convicted child sex offender, and his associates. That includes Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in Florida after being found guilty of sex trafficking and other charges in 2021. This collection of materials are referred to as the Epstein files, which includes the documents released by Bondi. Among the documents that Bondi released were flight logs, a redacted contact book and masseuse list and an evidence list, but other records remain under seal. More than 1,000 pages of documents were already unsealed by a federal court in January 2024. Does the Epstein client list exist? Bondi was asked on Fox News in February about whether the DOJ would release a list of Epstein's clients. "It's sitting on my desk right now to review," she replied. "That's been a directive by President Trump. I'm reviewing that." However, the DOJ and FBI announced this month they have no evidence he blackmailed powerful figures, kept a "client list" or that he was murdered, as many in MAGA circles have speculated. FBI deputy director Dan Bongino, who as a podcaster questioned official findings that Epstein died by suicide in his New York cell while awaiting charges of sex trafficking minors in 2019, clashed with Bondi over the handling of the files and took a day off work in response. What is Trump's connection to Epstein? Trump was photographed with Epstein on multiple occasions and called him a "terrific guy" in a 2002 interview, but the Washington Post reported they had a falling out two years later over a foreclosed oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, after the president outbid him for the property. "I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you," Trump said after Epstein was arrested in 2019. Trump has not been implicated in any of Epstein's illegal behavior. The latest: Bondi notified Trump months ago that he was named in the Epstein files, multiple outlets reported this week. But the DOJ called the reports false. The AG and deputy attorney general Todd Blanche allegedly told the president this spring that his name, as well as those of other high-profile individuals, appeared as they re-examined documents related to the case that hadn't been made public, per the New York Times. "This is a collection of falsehoods and innuendo designed to push a bulls**t narrative and drive clicks," DOJ spokesperson Gates McGavick said about the reports. It was not immediately clear what the documents were, or in what context Trump's name was raised. What has Trump's reaction been? The president has faced pressure from MAGA circles since the conclusion of his administration's review of the case and tried to move his base on from Epstein. "Are people still talking about this guy, this creep?" Trump said in response to a reporter's question on his administration's handling of the files earlier this month. "This guy's been talked about for years. That is unbelievable." Days later, he denounced "PAST supporters," whom he described as "weaklings," for their focus on what he called the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax." Trump maintains any documents linking him to Epstein are a "hoax" cooked up by the same forces behind the Russia investigation. The president announced last week he had directed Bondi to release all relevant grand jury testimony in the Epstein case, subject to court approval. Zoom in: Trump sued the Wall Street Journal last week over a story describing a "bawdy" birthday letter bearing his name that the outlet says was given to Jeffrey Epstein. The president said he personally warned the WSJ and owner Rupert Murdoch "that the supposed letter" was "a FAKE."
Newsweek
14 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Full List of MAGA Influencers at Odds With Trump Admin Over Epstein Files
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A flurry of MAGA influencers have spoken out against President Donald Trump's administration's handling of the Epstein files in recent days as he faces growing political backlash. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Newsweek that the Republican Party has achieved "unprecedented unity and strength" under Trump's leadership. Why It Matters Trump indicated on the campaign trail that he could release the documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died by suicide in a New York federal jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking. There have long been rumors of an Epstein "client list." However, a recent memo from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI said there was no "client list" and that no further charges would be brought. Trump has also urged his supporters to move past what he describes as the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax," sparking pushback from many Americans. What To Know Some of Trump's most loyal supporters have spoken out against his handling of the situation, fueling calls from Republicans for the files to be released. A House subcommittee this week voted to subpoena the Epstein files from the DOJ. While MAGA pundits have called for more transparency into the files, many have notably remained supportive of the president. President Donald Trump speaks at the "Winning the AI Race" summit in Washington, D.C., on July 23, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks at the "Winning the AI Race" summit in Washington, D.C., on July 23, is an overview of what the most prominent MAGA influencers have said about Trump and the Epstein files. Laura Loomer Loomer, a popular MAGA pundit, warned in an interview with Politico that the Epstein files controversy could "consume [Trump's] presidency." She also rejected Trump's statement that the files are part of a "hoax." "Obviously, this is not a complete hoax given the fact that Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in prison in Florida for her crimes and activities with Jeffrey Epstein, who we know is a convicted sexual predator," Loomer told the outlet. She suggested that Trump appoint a special counsel to handle the files. Tucker Carlson Carlson, a former Fox News host, criticized the Trump administration's approach to the matter during a Turning Point USA event earlier in July. "The fact that the U.S. government, the one that I voted for, refused to take my question seriously, and instead said, 'Case closed; shut up, conspiracy theorist,' was too much for me," Carlson said. "And I don't think the rest of us should be satisfied with that." Matt Walsh The Matt Walsh Show host described Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the case as "humiliating." "I want to make this very clear to those on the Right, including the president himself, who are telling us to just drop the subject and move on. We can't drop it. We can't move on, because what we want is justice," Walsh said. "We have a deep desire for justice, and we can see how the corrupt and powerful are never held accountable." Candace Owens Owens has frequently criticized the Trump administration over the Epstein files. "Where are my fellow weaklings at, because that's what Trump called us yesterday, right? He also, during a press conference said that we were 'stupid' for still caring about the Epstein files," the pundit said on her podcast. "So I think now we're arriving at the unfortunate question here, which is who is Trump protecting? Because he's clearly protecting someone. Is it himself? Is it someone in his family?" She has also accused Trump of "gaslighting" the public and described the Epstein scandal as "terminal cancer" for the MAGA movement. Roseanne Barr Comedian and actress Roseanne Barr broke from Trump over Epstein in a post on X earlier this month. "Mr. President- Yes, we still care about Epstein. Is there a time to not care about child sex trafficking? Read the damn room," Barr wrote. General Mike Flynn Flynn, who served as national security adviser for part of Trump's first presidency, wrote a lengthy post on X over the Epstein files. "@realDonaldTrump I hesitated to write this however, with the utmost respect and deference to you for all you've withstood (few know it better than me what the "deep state" can do when they want to turn on a person). The EPSTEIN AFFAIR is NOT about who killed him or if he committed suicide—personally, I'm glad this known pedophile is dead. But neither is this a hoax," Flynn posted. He warned that the "roll out of this was terrible" and urged him to "gather your team and figure out a way to move past this." "It is NOT about Epstein or the left. It is about committing crimes against CHILDREN. If he were part of an intel operation known or run by our CIA (shame on them) and those responsible MUST be held accountable. If there is another country involved, then shame on them as well. If there are elites inside of our country that committed crimes against CHILDREN (shame on them) and they MUST be held ACCOUNTABLE." Elon Musk After tech billionaire Musk left the White House earlier this year, he engaged in a high-profile public feud with Trump that escalated with an allegation from the former DOGE leader that the president's name appears in the Epstein files. He did not provide any further details or proof. "Seriously. He said 'Epstein' half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein. Just release the files as promised," Musk wrote on X. What People Are Saying White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Newsweek: "Under President Trump's leadership, the Republican Party has achieved unprecedented unity and strength. Securing the largest share of votes ever for a Republican presidential nominee and winning majorities in both the House and Senate, President Trump has delivered the most impactful first six months of any presidency. His historic domestic policy agenda, now enacted through the passage of One Big Beautiful Bill with overwhelming GOP support, has earned the highest approval rate for a president's policy priorities in modern history." President Donald Trump wrote Saturday on Truth Social: "I have asked the Justice Department to release all Grand Jury testimony with respect to Jeffrey Epstein, subject only to Court Approval. With that being said, and even if the Court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request. It will always be more, more, more. MAGA!" What Happens Next Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate who was sentenced to 20 years in prison on five counts, including one of sex trafficking of a minor, is expected to meet with the DOJ soon. Meanwhile, Trump is likely to continue facing pressure to release the Epstein files.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Trump admin seeks new jet to shuttle around Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel
The FBI is seeking an ultra-long-range business jet to fly agents and other bureau personnel to far-flung global locations for counterterrorism response, 'high-risk operations,' and other 'sensitive missions,' according to a tranche of federal procurement documents reviewed by The Independent. Alongside the government's request for proposals, a related statement of objectives says the aircraft 'will also support executive transportation requirements for the FBI Director and the U.S. Attorney General,' namely, Kash Patel and Pam Bondi, who have both faced withering scrutiny in recent weeks over their handling of the fallout from the non-release of the Epstein files. In May, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reportedly initiated an investigation into Patel's supposedly robust personal use of the FBI's existing fleet of private jets. However, a Department of Justice official said on Wednesday that the plan had not been approved by Bondi, who is not in favor of the purchase. 'The FBI has an independent procurement process for the director and their agents,' DOJ spokesman Gates McGavick told The Independent. 'Neither the attorney general nor other DOJ leadership knew about this and see no need for its use in Main Justice.' 'Main Justice' is the colloquial name for DOJ headquarters. The plane will be required to fly at speeds of Mach 0.83 or higher, with Mach 0.85 listed as 'preferred.' It must have a minimum range of 7,000 nautical miles, be able to seat at least 12 passengers, three crew, and 1,000 lbs. of cargo, the RFP states. That means the feds need something along the lines of a Gulfstream G800, which seats 19 and can travel 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.90, or a Bombardier Global 8000, which seats 19 and can travel 8,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.94. The RFP, which was issued July 11, says the bureau's Critical Incident Response Group will lease the aircraft for an initial one-year period, with the possibility of four one-year extensions, after which the government will have the option to purchase the jet outright. The documents do not explain how the plane will be shared between one of the FBI's most elite tactical units and two of the administration's highest-ranking officials. No prices are included in the solicitation paperwork, but the G800 starts at about $72.5 million, while the base model Global 8000 lists for roughly $78 million. The FBI paid $2.4 million to lease a Gulfstream V for six months in 2016, after a procurement process marked by numerous deficiencies, according to an audit the following year by the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General. Craig Holman, a governmental ethics and campaign finance expert at Washington, D.C. watchdog nonprofit Public Citizen, says the expenditure shows the Trump team going against its relentless claims of 'cost-efficiency.' 'For an administration that wants to put on a veneer of cutting waste, fraud and abuse in government spending, it sure doesn't have any qualms when it comes to lavish spending on expensive new jets and other luxuries for itself,' Holman told The Independent. This will be the third luxury aircraft so far being budgeted for travel by cabinet officials and the president, according to Holman. 'There is the extravagant Boeing [747] being bought from Qatar for Trump, a Gulfstream IV luxury jet for Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, and now, an opulent long-range jet for FBI Director Patel and Attorney General Bondi for their traveling comfort. Meanwhile, the administration is slashing spending on health care, education and worker safety for the rest of us.' Trump has said Qatar is 'gifting' the 747 to the Department of Defense for his use as an especially opulent Air Force One, but the Air Force itself pegs the cost of modifying the plane for such use at some $400 million. An FBI spokesman told The Independent that the new aircraft lease will in fact be more cost-effective. 'The plane in question is for critical functions such as hostage rescue team deployments, international operations, SWAT ops, and other national security related purposes – but the current lease structure is unnecessarily wasteful,' the spokesman said. 'As we've done with other assets, like moving the headquarters building, the FBI is evaluating available options to better serve the American people at a much lower and more efficient cost to the taxpayer.' As for the business jet to be split between Bondi, Patel, and the FBI, the successful bidder will deliver the private jet to the bureau's Aviation Operations Hangar at the Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, Virginia, by next summer. 'The aircraft shall be fully mission operational and flight-ready, with all required Government-installed modifications (including secure communications suite), no later than June 24, 2026,' the RFP tells prospective sellers. In addition to hardened comms, the cabin must have two lavatories, one crew rest seat, one galley with microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, sink and ice and beverage storage, according to the request. The bureau's 'preferred' features include four 'cabin zones with solid dividers, and a 'dedicated crew rest area with layflat seats/bunk,' it says. As far as cosmetics go, the aircraft's interior components – seating, cabinetry, flooring, lighting – must be in 'good condition, with no excessive wear, staining or damage,' the RFP states. Before delivery, the request says the jet 'shall be thoroughly cleaned inside and out,' and exterior paint 'shall be free of major defects, corrosion, or significant fading.' Further, the plane should have less than 2,500 hours of flight time, and be less than five years old. The contractor will be responsible for all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, to be conducted at FAA-approved facilities, according to the RFP. The FBI will oversee minor routine tasks such as tire and fluid replacement, as well as 'minor repairs.' The flight crews will be provided by the FBI, which will 'maintain sole operational control,' the RFP states, adding that the bureau is self-insured up to $5 million for all flight operations. 'In excess of this limit, [the] FBI will seek Congressional appropriations,' the RFP says. In the six months since President Trump began his second stint in the White House, the administration has, among other things, decimated school lunch programs, thrown millions off of Medicaid, and enacted tax cuts that will boost incomes for the wealthy while raising taxes on working Americans. Solve the daily Crossword
