Former Louisville Officer Gets 34-Month Sentence for Role in Fatal Breonna Taylor Raid
Louisville, KY – July 21, 2025 — A federal judge has sentenced Brett Hankison, a former Louisville Metro Police Department officer, to nearly three years in prison for his role in the 2020 raid that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor. The sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing quest for accountability in one of the most scrutinized police incidents in recent American history.
Brett Hankison, 48, was convicted last month on federal civil rights charges stemming from the raid, which occurred in the early morning hours of March 13, 2020. Prosecutors argued that Hankison fired multiple shots through a covered window and sliding glass door, endangering not only Taylor and her boyfriend but also neighbors in the adjacent apartment unit.
Details of the Sentencing
U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings handed down a 34-month sentence, citing the "gravity of the reckless conduct and the need for justice." The judge also ordered Hankison to undergo supervised release for one year following his prison term. He remains free on bond pending an appeal, but must surrender to authorities within 60 days.
- Conviction: Federal civil rights violation for endangering lives during the raid
- Sentence: 34 months in federal prison, 1 year supervised release
- Appeal: Defense attorneys plan to appeal the verdict
Background on the Breonna Taylor Case
Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was fatally shot when officers executed a no-knock warrant at her apartment. The case drew national attention and sparked widespread protests calling for police reform and racial justice. No officer was directly charged in Taylor's death, but the Department of Justice pursued charges against Hankison and others for civil rights violations related to the raid.
Hankison was previously tried in state court and acquitted in 2022 on wanton endangerment charges. However, federal prosecutors charged him and three other officers in August 2022 with violating Taylor's constitutional rights. The other officers involved await trial or sentencing.
Community and National Response
Monday's sentencing generated renewed discussion about police accountability and the need for reforms in law enforcement practices. Civil rights advocates noted that the sentence, though not the maximum possible, sends a clear message regarding officer responsibility in high-risk operations.
The Department of Justice continues to investigate policing practices in Louisville, and the Taylor case remains central to national conversations about criminal justice reform and police oversight.
What Happens Next?
Hankison's legal team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction, potentially extending the legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the city of Louisville and the Department of Justice are implementing new protocols for warrant execution and officer training in response to findings from the Taylor investigation.
For ongoing coverage of the Breonna Taylor case and police reform efforts, follow our updates in the Law and Government section.
