CITY OF LOUISVILLE PAYS OUT $12 MILLION TO BREONNA TAYLOR’S FAMILY

The American City of Louisville in the state of Kentucky has offered to settle a lawsuit between them and the family of Breonna Taylor.

The settlement of $12 million revolves around Taylor’s family’s wrongful death lawsuit – an historic moment as it's a record amount for a pay-out of this kind.

The 26-year-old medical emergency technician was fatally shot by three plain clothed officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department during a random drug raid in the early hours of 13 March 2020. The raid happened while Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker were sleeping.

CNN reports that Walker later testified that the couple thought the officers were intruders and after shouting to hear who was at the door, he shot once at the door in an attempt to scare the believed intruders away. That shot hit one of the officers who in turn returned four shots.

The other officers followed suit and eight of their bullets hit Taylor, killing her instantly.

Greg Fischer, the mayor of Louisville, said at a news conference on Tuesday that Taylor's death "ignited a movement in Louisville and the nation for racial justice" while conveying his condolences to Taylors's mother Tamika Palmer, reports ABC News.

"I cannot begin to imagine Ms. Palmer's pain and I'm deeply, deeply sorry for Breonna's death."

ABC News further reports that an emotional Palmer said of the settlement:

"As significant as today is, it's only the beginning of getting full justice for Breonna. We must not lose focus on what the real job is. And, with that being said, it's time to move forward with the criminal charges because she deserves that and much more. Her beautiful spirit and personality is working with all of us on the ground, so please continue to say her name."

After Taylor's death, public pressure increased for the arrest of the three officers involved. The officers did not activate their mandatory body cameras during the raid carried out after reports of a possible drug house about 16 kilometres from Taylor’s apartment.

The death of Taylor, an African American, formed part of the inspiration of the Black Lives Matter movement. Soon after Taylor's death, another African American, George Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis, sparking a worldwide response.

In an attempt to create awareness around the case and the Black Lives Matter movement, the magazine Vanity Fair chose a painting of Taylor by artist, Amy Sherald, for their September issue.

Watch the ABC News video below for more information on the death Breonna Taylor and the record high settlement pay out by the City of Louisville to her family.

Image credits: Socialist Alternative, ABC News and Today Show