usatoday--2020-09-24--Breonna Taylor case updates: Two police officers shot during protest after officials announce charge

Breonna Taylor case updates: Two police officers shot during protest after officials announce charges in case; FBI SWAT team at scene

LOUISVILLE , Ky. – Two police officers were shot Wednesday night as emotions ran high and protesters took to the streets following a day that brought angry response to a prosecutor 's decision to charge only one of the officers involved in the Breonna Taylor shooting .
Louisville Interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder confirmed that two officers were shot and were being treated at area hospitals .
Both are expected to recover .
An FBI SWAT team is on the scene to help with the investigation .
The Louisville Courier Journal , one of USA TODAY 's partners on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot in the abdomen and is in surgery , and a second was shot in the thigh .
One suspect is in custody , but the chief did not identify the suspect .
“ I ’ m very concerned about the safety of our officers .
The safety of our officers and the community we serve is of the utmost importance , ” Schroeder said .
He said the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection where there was a large crowd .
On Wednesday , a Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers involved in the incident on charges of wanton endangerment for shooting a gun into a neighboring apartment .
Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison is facing three felony charges .
Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove , two other officers involved , were not charged .
Taylor , a 26-year-old ER technician , was killed after officers used a search warrant at her apartment shortly before 1 a.m. on March 13 , looking for drugs and cash as part of a larger narcotics investigation connected to her former boyfriend .
She was shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates in the case : • A group gathered in Jefferson Square Park , the heart of the protests for the past 125 days , before the decision was announced .
Protesters have since marched from downtown Louisville .
Some have been arrested after police formed a line , stopping protesters , on Bardstown Road in the Highlands neighborhood .
• Attorney General Daniel Cameron said his investigation determined that Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove were justified in their actions and that they did announce themselves as police officers before the shooting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June , is facing three felony counts and bail was set at $ 15,000 .
A warrant has been issued for his arrest .
• The mayor of Louisville imposed a 72-hour curfew on Wednesday .
Police have cut off access to downtown and set up barricades and fences around buildings .
• Six Louisville police officers – including the three who fired their weapons into Breonna Taylor 's apartment – remain under internal investigation into whether officers broke department policies .
• Last week , the city of Louisville announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's family , which included a host of police reforms .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
To dig deeper on race and identity , subscribe to This Is America , USA TODAY 's newsletter .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Americans `` must continue to speak Breonna Taylor ’ s name '' following the decision by a Louisville , Kentucky grand jury not to indict any of the police officers on homicide charges involved in her March 13 shooting death .
`` In the wake of her tragic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , family , and community and ask ourselves whether justice could be equally applied in America , '' Biden said in a statement issued after a campaign visit to Charlotte , N.C. , with Black business leaders .
`` I know for so many people today ’ s decision does not answer that call . ''
Biden urged protesters to be peaceful and patient as they await the results of an ongoing federal investigation .
Earlier , he told reporters that violent protests threatened to `` sully '' Taylor 's memory .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not directly address the grand jury 's decision but instead quoted Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron ’ s statement that justice “ does not fit the mold of public opinion ” and that “ justice sought by violence ” is not justice but revenge .
“ I think that was a terrific statement , ” Trump told reporters , adding that Cameron , who spoke at the Republican National Convention last month , “ is doing a fantastic job . ''
He ignored questions from reporters seeking more direct comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brett Hankison booked in jail , released half an hour later Brett Hankison , the sole Louisville police officer facing charges in the case , was booked at the Shelby County Detention Center and released about half an hour later , the jail confirmed .
Hankison was arrested Wednesday after being indicted on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment and booked at 4:30 p.m. , the detention center confirmed .
He was released at 5:02 p.m .
The judge had set a $ 15,000 cash bond for Hankison .
At the youth homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where she works as a residential adviser , Taylor 's cousin Tawanna Gordon watched with tears in her eyes as Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced that only one of the officers was indicted by a grand jury — but not for killing Taylor .
`` I 'm not surprised , '' Gordon , 45 , told The Courier Journal on Wednesday , minutes after Cameron 's press conference ended .
`` But I 'm mad as hell because nothing 's changing . ''
Taylor 's cousin said the family will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI investigation will reach the same conclusion they 've reached : that Taylor 's civil rights were violated .
`` They failed you , they failed me , '' Taylor 's sister , Juniyah Palmer , wrote on Twitter after Cameron 's announcement .
`` Breonna i am so sorry … i do n't know what to do . ''
Tamika Palmer , Taylor 's mother , left the attorney general 's press conference without talking to media .
And her attorneys said she would have no comment Wednesday .
Gov .
Andy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday to release evidence from his office 's investigation into the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor online .
`` Everyone can and should be informed and those that are currently feeling frustration , feeling hurt , they deserve to know more , '' Beshear said at a press conference Wednesday .
`` I trust Kentuckians .
They deserve to see the facts for themselves . ''
Beshear also delivered a message to protesters promising to listen as people make their voices heard and be `` a partner moving forward . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage in violence noting that militia groups had been spotted walking in downtown Louisville .
“ I will never , ever tell someone not to give voice to their truth or to speak out for what they believe in , '' he said .
`` So , be safe and the eyes of the world are on Louisville .
People will hear . ''
'We are in shock ' : Protesters start marching in Louisville Almost immediately after hearing the charges , protesters began moving together away from Jefferson Square Park , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , toward Broadway .
Several police vehicles trailed closely behind .
The National Guard was also present .
Protesters approached police and yelled at them at Fourth and Broadway but continued their march , moving east on Kentucky Street .
Stachelle Bussey , founder of local nonprofit The Hope Buss , said it took her a minute to come out of shock after hearing the charges against Hankison announced .
`` I thought more was going to come , '' Bussey said .
`` I was like , 'OK , they 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
They turned the live off , and I realized that was it . ''
`` He was just charged ( with ) wanton endangerment — not even for shooting into her apartment , but for shooting into other apartments .
We are in shock . ''
Former cop Brett Hankison indicted , but not for shooting Breonna Taylor Brett Hankison , who was fired in June , was indicted Wednesday on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment .
A wanton endangerment charge is a class D felony and carries a penalty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charges said that Hankison `` wantonly shot a gun '' into Apartment 3 .
The occupants of those apartments were identified by initials .
None of them were BT — Breonna Taylor .
That means the grand jury did n't find that Hankison wantonly fired into her apartment .
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said Wednesday that the grand jury decided homicide charges are not applicable because the investigation showed there was `` nothing conclusive to say '' that any of Hankison 's bullets hit Taylor .
Two officers were justified in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove , two of the three officers who fired their weapons the night Taylor was killed , were justified in their actions , which prevents prosecutors from pursuing criminal charges .
Cameron said his investigation found the officers at Taylor 's apartment knocked and announced that they were police officers before the shooting .
That account was corroborated by an independent witness , he said .
“ In other words , the warrant was not served as a no-knock warrant , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor was shot six times , Cameron said , and the FBI ballistics test determined the fatal round was fired by Cosgrove .
The Kentucky State Police ballistic test was n't able to determine who fired the fatal shot , he added .
Cameron noted that an FBI investigation into potential violations of federal law was continuing .
Cameron said he 'd spoken to Taylor 's family and called this an `` emotional , gut-wrenching case '' and the loss of Taylor 's life is a tragedy .
Protesters say single indictment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fight for racial justice .
Around 200 protesters gathered at Jefferson Square Park as the announcement was played on a loudspeaker .
As the decision wrapped up , there was first confusion , then anger from those who had gathered .
`` They 're still working and still getting paid , '' Shemaeka Shaw , a community organizer and affordable housing advocate , recently told The Courier Journal .
`` … That 's a slap in the face to a mourning mother who still has to walk through the city knowing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on LMPD 's payroll .
Protesters have specifically referenced Mattingly , Cosgrove and Hankison , who fired their weapons at Taylor 's apartment , as well as Detective Joshua Jaynes , who swore out the affidavit to get a search warrant for Taylor 's apartment and four other homes the night she was killed .
• The NAACP , the country 's oldest civil rights organization , posted on Instagram that `` the injustice we 're witnessing at this moment can be sensed through the nation .
It is unacceptable that , once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state-sanctioned murder . ''
• Actress Viola Davis shared the NAACP post and wrote `` Bulls -- - decision .
BLACK LIVES MATTER .
Can not be said enough times . ''
• Carl Takei , senior staff attorney with the ACLU ’ s Criminal Law Reform Project , called for `` real systemic change '' and said the decision `` is not accountability and not close to justice . ''
• Ben Crump , the attorney for Taylor 's family and several other high profile victims of police shootings , called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women as they continued to be disrespected in America . ''
• None Kentucky 's junior Senator Rand Paul said he hopes that people will accept `` the rule of law . ''
When asked if no-knock warrants mattered at all in the case , Paul replied , “ Sure it does , they got rid of no-knock warrants because of this case.
” Meanwhile , Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams applauded Cameron 's handling of the case , tweeting in part that he believes his fellow Republican `` has shown immense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the killing of Breonna Taylor ; great diligence in painstakingly running down every lead ; and extraordinary grace under pressure in detailing his findings before the eyes of our country . ''
What 's next for Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove ?
The announcement Wednesday that two Louisville Metro Police Department officers in the March 13 shooting of Breonna Taylor wo n't face criminal charges does n't clear them for street duty .
Louisville police officers Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove still face a Professional Standards Unit investigation to determine if they and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules for their conduct in the aborted search of Taylor 's home , meaning they are not cleared for street duty .
Additionally , the FBI has been conducting its own investigation of the shooting since May that could result in civil rights violations .
The additional officers include three detectives present at Taylor 's apartment – Tony James , Michael Campbell and Michael Nobles – along with detective Joshua Jaynes , who swore out the affidavit to get the warrant for Taylor 's apartment .
Hankison is not under internal investigation because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spurred more than 125 days of protest in the city and set off a national cry for `` justice for Breonna , '' with celebrities and politicians from Joe Biden to Beyonce to LeBron James calling for the arrest of the officers who shot her .
In Louisville , Mayor Greg Fischer announced a 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. curfew on Wednesday and urged people to protest peacefully .
Fischer and the city 's police department declared state of emergencies on Tuesday to free up resources in anticipation of a decision and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breonna Taylor 's apartment said they knocked on her door and announced their presence .
Taylor 's boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , however , says he and Taylor did n't know who was knocking at the door .
When police broke down the front door of the apartment , Walker fired one shot from his firearm , which police say struck officer Jonathan Mattingly in the thigh , severing his femoral artery .
She died in her hallway .
Police suspected Taylor was receiving drugs and drug money on her ex-boyfriend 's behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found at her apartment , and attorneys for her family have questioned the reliability of the information .
Contributing : Phillip M. Bailey and Nicholas Wu , USA TODAY ; Tessa Duvall , Bailey Loosemore , Hayes Gardner , Matt Mencarini , Darcy Costello and Emma Austin , Louisville Courier Journal ; Bree Burkitt , The Arizona Republic

Breonna Taylor overnight updates: 2 officers shot during Louisville protests expected to recover; indicted cop booked into jail, released
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor case: Two officers shot after charges announced A Kentucky grand jury indicted one of three police officers involved in the Breonna Taylor shooting. USA TODAY
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville is dealing with the aftermath Thursday of a grand jury's decision in the Breonna Taylor case and another night of protests left at least 46 people in custody and two police officers wounded.
The officers were shot Wednesday night as emotions ran high and protesters took to the streets following a day that brought angry response to a prosecutor's decision to charge only one of the officers involved in the Taylor shooting.
Louisville Interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder confirmed that two officers were shot and were being treated at area hospitals. Both are expected to recover.
Thursday updates: Everything you need to know about the Breonna Taylor decision, reaction
The Louisville Courier Journal, one of USA TODAY's partners on its national network, reports that one officer was shot in the abdomen and is in surgery, and a second was shot in the thigh.
One suspect is in custody, but the chief did not identify the suspect. “I’m very concerned about the safety of our officers. The safety of our officers and the community we serve is of the utmost importance,” Schroeder said.
He said the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection where there was a large crowd.
Across the nation, other protests brought scores of people. But no other violence was reported as of 10 p.m. ET.
President Donald Trump said he was praying for the injured officers.
Praying for the two police officers that were shot tonight in Louisville, Kentucky. The Federal Government stands behind you and is ready to help. Spoke to @GovAndyBeshear and we are prepared to work together, immediately upon request! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2020
On Wednesday, a Kentucky grand jury indicted one of three police officers involved in the incident on charges of wanton endangerment for shooting a gun into a neighboring apartment. Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison is facing three felony charges. Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove, two other officers involved, were not charged.
Taylor, a 26-year-old ER technician, was killed after officers used a search warrant at her apartment shortly before 1 a.m. on March 13, looking for drugs and cash as part of a larger narcotics investigation connected to her former boyfriend. She was shot six times.
What you need to know about the case:
A group gathered in Jefferson Square Park, the heart of the protests for the past 125 days, before the decision was announced. Protesters then marched from downtown Louisville. Some were arrested after police formed a line, stopping protesters, on Bardstown Road in the Highlands neighborhood.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron said his investigation determined that Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove were justified in their actions and that they did announce themselves as police officers before the shooting.
Brett Hankison, who was fired in June, was indicted on three felony counts and bail was set at $15,000. He was booked into jail and released.
Six Louisville police officers – including the three who fired their weapons into Breonna Taylor's apartment – remain under internal investigation into whether officers broke department policies.
Last week, the city of Louisville announced a $12 million settlement with Breonna Taylor's family, which included a host of police reforms.
To dig deeper on race and identity, subscribe to This Is America, USA TODAY's newsletter.
Breonna Taylor: Indictment announcement sparks protests in Louisville Protests resumed in Louisville after a grand jury indicted one of the three police officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor. USA TODAY
Biden urges peace following Breonna Taylor decision
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Americans "must continue to speak Breonna Taylor’s name" following the decision by a Louisville, Kentucky grand jury not to indict any of the police officers on homicide charges involved in her March 13 shooting death.
"In the wake of her tragic death, we mourn with her mother, family, and community and ask ourselves whether justice could be equally applied in America," Biden said in a statement issued after a campaign visit to Charlotte, N.C., with Black business leaders. "I know for so many people today’s decision does not answer that call."
Biden urged protesters to be peaceful and patient as they await the results of an ongoing federal investigation. Earlier, he told reporters that violent protests threatened to "sully" Taylor's memory.
At the White House, President Donald Trump did not directly address the grand jury's decision but instead quoted Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s statement that justice “does not fit the mold of public opinion” and that “justice sought by violence” is not justice but revenge.
“I think that was a terrific statement,” Trump told reporters, adding that Cameron, who spoke at the Republican National Convention last month, “is doing a fantastic job." He ignored questions from reporters seeking more direct comment on the grand jury's decision.
– Ledyard King and Michael Collins
Former cop Brett Hankison booked in jail, released half an hour later
Brett Hankison, the sole Louisville police officer facing charges in the case, was booked at the Shelby County Detention Center and released about half an hour later, the jail confirmed.
Hankison was arrested Wednesday after being indicted on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment and booked at 4:30 p.m., the detention center confirmed. He was released at 5:02 p.m.
The judge had set a $15,000 cash bond for Hankison.
– Emma Austin
Breonna Taylor's family dismayed by decision: 'I'm mad as hell'
At the youth homeless shelter in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she works as a residential adviser, Taylor's cousin Tawanna Gordon watched with tears in her eyes as Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced that only one of the officers was indicted by a grand jury — but not for killing Taylor.
"I'm not surprised," Gordon, 45, told The Courier Journal on Wednesday, minutes after Cameron's press conference ended. "But I'm mad as hell because nothing's changing."
Taylor's cousin said the family will continue to fight for justice while hoping the pending FBI investigation will reach the same conclusion they've reached: that Taylor's civil rights were violated.
"They failed you, they failed me," Taylor's sister, Juniyah Palmer, wrote on Twitter after Cameron's announcement. "Breonna i am so sorry … i don't know what to do."
Tamika Palmer, Taylor's mother, left the attorney general's press conference without talking to media. And her attorneys said she would have no comment Wednesday.
– Tessa Duvall and Jonathan Bullington
Gov. Beshear calls on attorney general to release evidence
Gov. Andy Beshear called on Attorney General Daniel Cameron on Wednesday to release evidence from his office's investigation into the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor online.
"Everyone can and should be informed and those that are currently feeling frustration, feeling hurt, they deserve to know more," Beshear said at a press conference Wednesday. "I trust Kentuckians. They deserve to see the facts for themselves."
Beshear also delivered a message to protesters promising to listen as people make their voices heard and be "a partner moving forward." Still, he urged protesters not to engage in violence noting that militia groups had been spotted walking in downtown Louisville.
“I will never, ever tell someone not to give voice to their truth or to speak out for what they believe in," he said. "So, be safe and the eyes of the world are on Louisville. People will hear."
'We are in shock': Protesters start marching in Louisville
Almost immediately after hearing the charges, protesters began moving together away from Jefferson Square Park, which has been the heart of the protests, toward Broadway. Several police vehicles trailed closely behind. The National Guard was also present.
Protesters approached police and yelled at them at Fourth and Broadway but continued their march, moving east on Kentucky Street.
Stachelle Bussey, founder of local nonprofit The Hope Buss, said it took her a minute to come out of shock after hearing the charges against Hankison announced.
"I thought more was going to come," Bussey said. "I was like, 'OK, they're going to say some other stuff.' ... They turned the live off, and I realized that was it."
"He was just charged (with) wanton endangerment — not even for shooting into her apartment, but for shooting into other apartments. We are in shock."
– Bailey Loosemore and Hayes Gardner
Former cop Brett Hankison indicted, but not for shooting Breonna Taylor
Brett Hankison, who was fired in June, was indicted Wednesday on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.
A wanton endangerment charge is a class D felony and carries a penalty of one to five years in prison. The charges said that Hankison "wantonly shot a gun" into Apartment 3.
The occupants of those apartments were identified by initials. None of them were BT — Breonna Taylor. That means the grand jury didn't find that Hankison wantonly fired into her apartment.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said Wednesday that the grand jury decided homicide charges are not applicable because the investigation showed there was "nothing conclusive to say" that any of Hankison's bullets hit Taylor.
Two officers were justified in use of force, Kentucky attorney general says
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove, two of the three officers who fired their weapons the night Taylor was killed, were justified in their actions, which prevents prosecutors from pursuing criminal charges.
Cameron said his investigation found the officers at Taylor's apartment knocked and announced that they were police officers before the shooting. That account was corroborated by an independent witness, he said.
“In other words, the warrant was not served as a no-knock warrant," Cameron said about the controversial warrant.
Taylor was shot six times, Cameron said, and the FBI ballistics test determined the fatal round was fired by Cosgrove. The Kentucky State Police ballistic test wasn't able to determine who fired the fatal shot, he added.
Cameron noted that an FBI investigation into potential violations of federal law was continuing.
Cameron said he'd spoken to Taylor's family and called this an "emotional, gut-wrenching case" and the loss of Taylor's life is a tragedy.
Protesters say single indictment is not enough
Protesters vowed Wednesday to continue their fight for racial justice. Around 200 protesters gathered at Jefferson Square Park as the announcement was played on a loudspeaker. As the decision wrapped up, there was first confusion, then anger from those who had gathered.
"They're still working and still getting paid," Shemaeka Shaw, a community organizer and affordable housing advocate, recently told The Courier Journal. "… That's a slap in the face to a mourning mother who still has to walk through the city knowing the men who killed her daughter" remain on LMPD's payroll.
Protesters have specifically referenced Mattingly, Cosgrove and Hankison, who fired their weapons at Taylor's apartment, as well as Detective Joshua Jaynes, who swore out the affidavit to get a search warrant for Taylor's apartment and four other homes the night she was killed.
– Bailey Loosemore and Hayes Gardner
Activists, politicians and celebrities react to indictment
The NAACP , the country's oldest civil rights organization, posted on Instagram that "the injustice we're witnessing at this moment can be sensed through the nation. It is unacceptable that, once again, culpability has eluded those guilty of state-sanctioned murder."
, the country's oldest civil rights organization, posted on Instagram that "the injustice we're witnessing at this moment can be sensed through the nation. It is unacceptable that, once again, culpability has eluded those guilty of state-sanctioned murder." Actress Viola Davis shared the NAACP post and wrote "Bulls--- decision. BLACK LIVES MATTER. Cannot be said enough times."
shared the NAACP post and wrote "Bulls--- decision. BLACK LIVES MATTER. Cannot be said enough times." Carl Takei , senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project, called for "real systemic change" and said the decision "is not accountability and not close to justice."
, senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project, called for "real systemic change" and said the decision "is not accountability and not close to justice." Ben Crump , the attorney for Taylor's family and several other high profile victims of police shootings, called the charges "an insult to Black women as they continued to be disrespected in America."
, the attorney for Taylor's family and several other high profile victims of police shootings, called the charges "an insult to Black women as they continued to be disrespected in America." Kentucky's junior Senator Rand Paul said he hopes that people will accept "the rule of law." When asked if no-knock warrants mattered at all in the case, Paul replied, “Sure it does, they got rid of no-knock warrants because of this case.”
Meanwhile, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams applauded Cameron's handling of the case, tweeting in part that he believes his fellow Republican "has shown immense courage in taking on the investigation of the killing of Breonna Taylor; great diligence in painstakingly running down every lead; and extraordinary grace under pressure in detailing his findings before the eyes of our country."
What's next for Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove?
The announcement Wednesday that two Louisville Metro Police Department officers in the March 13 shooting of Breonna Taylor won't face criminal charges doesn't clear them for street duty.
Louisville police officers Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove still face a Professional Standards Unit investigation to determine if they and four other officers violated police policy or rules for their conduct in the aborted search of Taylor's home, meaning they are not cleared for street duty.
Additionally, the FBI has been conducting its own investigation of the shooting since May that could result in civil rights violations.
The additional officers include three detectives present at Taylor's apartment – Tony James, Michael Campbell and Michael Nobles – along with detective Joshua Jaynes, who swore out the affidavit to get the warrant for Taylor's apartment.
Hankison is not under internal investigation because he lost his job.
More: Former detective Brett Hankison faces 3 charges after Breonna Taylor shooting
– Matt Mencarini and Darcy Costello
Louisville enacts curfew in anticipation of protests
The shooting has spurred more than 125 days of protest in the city and set off a national cry for "justice for Breonna," with celebrities and politicians from Joe Biden to Beyonce to LeBron James calling for the arrest of the officers who shot her.
In Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer announced a 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. curfew on Wednesday and urged people to protest peacefully.
Fischer and the city's police department declared state of emergencies on Tuesday to free up resources in anticipation of a decision and potential protests downtown.
What happened to Breonna Taylor?
The officers at Breonna Taylor's apartment said they knocked on her door and announced their presence. Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, however, says he and Taylor didn't know who was knocking at the door.
When police broke down the front door of the apartment, Walker fired one shot from his firearm, which police say struck officer Jonathan Mattingly in the thigh, severing his femoral artery.
Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison returned fire, striking Taylor.
She died in her hallway.
Police suspected Taylor was receiving drugs and drug money on her ex-boyfriend's behalf, but no drugs or cash were found at her apartment, and attorneys for her family have questioned the reliability of the information.
Contributing: Phillip M. Bailey and Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY; Tessa Duvall, Bailey Loosemore, Hayes Gardner, Matt Mencarini, Darcy Costello and Emma Austin, Louisville Courier Journal; Bree Burkitt, The Arizona Republic


usatoday--2020-09-24--'UnJust!!!!' Oprah, George Clooney, Alicia Keys, more stars react to Breonna Taylor decision

Celebrities are speaking out following a grand jury 's decision regarding the shooting death of Breonna Taylor .
On Wednesday , Brett Hankison , a former Louisville , Kentucky , police detective , was indicted on felony charges of wanton endangerment for shooting into an apartment next door to Taylor .
The two other officers involved in the shooting , Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove , were justified in their use of force , state Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a news conference .
Viola Davis wrote on Twitter that the grand jury only indicting one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesser charge , was a `` bulls -- - decision . ''
`` BLACK LIVES MATTER !
!
! ''
the actress continued .
`` Can not be said enough times.
” Oprah Winfrey tweeted that she is thinking of Taylor 's mother during this time .
`` Her mother ’ s child , '' she wrote .
`` My heart goes out to Tamika Palmer , who has to be reminded , again and again , that her 'baby won ’ t be coming through that door . '
`` Kerry Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of voting .
“ Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump ’ s short list as replacement of # RGB on the Supreme Court , '' she wrote on Twitter .
`` The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing # BreonnaTaylor .
Vote.
” Alicia Keys tweeted that the news was infuriating .
“ This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to the CORE !
!
! ''
she wrote .
`` UnJust !
!
!
!
Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD !
!
!
!
Infuriated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In an interview with the Associated Press , Queen Latifah said that it was a `` very complicated situation . ''
`` But it ain ’ t right and enough already , '' she continued .
`` Enough already .
It ’ s time for some people to go to jail.
” Latifah also told the AP that everyone should register to vote .
“ Vote early , go hard , we got to go hard , '' she added .
`` This is not a year to take it easy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on us , you know .
And there ’ s no reason that young woman should not be walking around today ; there ’ s no reason her mom should be burying her child.
” Oprah Winfrey is demanding justice for Breonna Taylor with 26 billboards in Louisville Rapper Common tweeted clips of Martin Luther King Jr. , Malcolm X and James Baldwin speaking about racism in America following the news of Taylor 's case .
Comedian W. Kamau Bell also decried the decision on Twitter , saying that it showed that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman . ''
`` Brett Hankison is indicted for shooting into the apartment NEXT to Breonna Taylor & not for KILLING HER , '' he wrote .
`` He 's fired for shooting into BREONNA TAYLOR 'S apartment & not for KILLING HER .
This is systemic racism . ''
Kentucky native George Clooney slammed the decision in a statement to USA TODAY , saying the indictment does not reflect his values .
`` I was born and raised in Kentucky , '' he said .
`` Cut tobacco on the farms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister live in Kentucky .
I own a home in Kentucky , and I was there last month .
The justice system I was raised to believe in holds people responsible for their actions . ''
He continued : `` Her name was Breonna Taylor and she was shot to death in her bed by 3 white police officers , who will not be charged with any crime for her death .
I know the community .
I know the commonwealth .
And I was taught in the schools and churches of Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m ashamed of this decision . ''
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin said in an interview with the AP that he expects the decision to provoke outrage .
`` Of course people are going to get on the street and they ’ re going to show you their pain , they ’ re going to show you their anger , '' he said .
`` And you have to meet that by listening .
You can not meet that by pushing back with what are essentially baseball bats and poison that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes and noses .
But that is what will happen . ''

Breonna Taylor decision: Alicia Keys 'infuriated,' Chris Rock and more stars share reactions
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor: Kentucky grand jury indicts 1 officer Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has been indicted on criminal charges after shooting into the apartment next door to Breonna Taylor. USA TODAY
Celebrities are speaking out following a grand jury's decision regarding the shooting death of Breonna Taylor.
On Wednesday, Brett Hankison, a former Louisville, Kentucky, police detective, was indicted on felony charges of wanton endangerment for shooting into an apartment next door to Taylor. The two other officers involved in the shooting, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove, were justified in their use of force, state Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a news conference.
Viola Davis wrote on Twitter that the grand jury only indicting one of the officers, and on a lesser charge, was a "bulls--- decision."
"BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!" the actress continued. "Cannot be said enough times.”
Bulls--- decision!!! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!! Cannot be said enough times. https://t.co/HOrDQzHJ0d — Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 23, 2020
Oprah Winfrey tweeted that she is thinking of Taylor's mother during this time.
"Her mother’s child," she wrote. "My heart goes out to Tamika Palmer, who has to be reminded, again and again, that her 'baby won’t be coming through that door.' "
Yes. Her mother’s child. My heart goes out to Tamika Palmer, who has to be reminded, again and again, that her “baby won’t be coming through that door.” #BreonnaTaylor https://t.co/HZ2AOGjq8G — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 23, 2020
Kerry Washington criticized the Kentucky AG and emphasized the importance of voting.
“Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump’s short list as replacement of #RGB on the Supreme Court," she wrote on Twitter. "The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing #BreonnaTaylor. Vote.”
In a video message, Stevie Wonder said: “No amount of money has ever brought a life back. Ask yourself ‘Why so long for Breonna Taylor?’”
Chris Rock opened up about his reaction to the decision in an interview with "Good Morning America."
"Of course I'm upset about the Breonna Taylor verdict," he said. "It seems that not only should the cops have been charged, but it seems like the whole chain of command should have been reprimanded for such a heinous act. A woman's life was lost for absolutely nothing."
.@chrisrock on the Breonna Taylor grand jury decision: “It’s just insane that this is something that we’re all used to.” https://t.co/geCNk1rRl9 pic.twitter.com/2rS7OdC7K4 — Good Morning America (@GMA) September 24, 2020
Busta Rhymes tweeted that "accountability needs to occur in a new way," pleading for the "error" in Cameron's announcement to be corrected.
"It’s like it has taken on new heights with how much it is being put in our face and shoved down our throats with no proper accountability," he added. "There will be a time when that accountability will come back a thousand times fold and I long for that day to come anxiously."
Alicia Keys tweeted that the news was infuriating.
“This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to the CORE!!!" she wrote. "UnJust!!!! Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD!!!! Infuriated!!!!!!!”
This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to the CORE!!! UnJust!!!! Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD!!!! Infuriated!!!!!!! https://t.co/TWVeV8Q3rp — Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) September 23, 2020
In an interview with the Associated Press, Queen Latifah said that it was a "very complicated situation."
"But it ain’t right and enough already," she continued. "Enough already. It’s time for some people to go to jail.”
Latifah also told the AP that everyone should register to vote.
“Vote early, go hard, we got to go hard," she added. "This is not a year to take it easy, because no one has taken it easy on us, you know. And there’s no reason that young woman should not be walking around today; there’s no reason her mom should be burying her child.”
Oprah Winfrey is demanding justice for Breonna Taylor with 26 billboards in Louisville
Rapper Common tweeted clips of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin speaking about racism in America following the news of Taylor's case.
"To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost all of the time." James Baldwin. #BreonnaTaylor pic.twitter.com/CUcRcEsXCE — COMMON (@common) September 23, 2020
Tamron Hall addressed the Taylor decision on her show Thursday.
"Like so many of you watching right now, I had a sleepless night to be honest with you," Hall said before sharing a short clip of her June interview with Taylor's mother. "Heartbroken that an innocent woman could be killed unarmed in her own bed and so many of us are left asking ‘how is this possible?"
Comedian W. Kamau Bell also decried the decision on Twitter, saying that it showed that "property is worth more than a Black woman."
"Brett Hankison is indicted for shooting into the apartment NEXT to Breonna Taylor & not for KILLING HER," he wrote. "He's fired for shooting into BREONNA TAYLOR'S apartment & not for KILLING HER. This is systemic racism."
Kentucky native George Clooney slammed the decision in a statement to USA TODAY, saying the indictment does not reflect his values.
"I was born and raised in Kentucky," he said. "Cut tobacco on the farms of Kentucky. Both my parents and my sister live in Kentucky. I own a home in Kentucky, and I was there last month. The justice system I was raised to believe in holds people responsible for their actions."
He continued: "Her name was Breonna Taylor and she was shot to death in her bed by 3 white police officers, who will not be charged with any crime for her death. I know the community. I know the commonwealth. And I was taught in the schools and churches of Kentucky what is right and what is wrong. I’m ashamed of this decision."
Demi Lovato wrote on Instagram that "we are still demanding justice" for Taylor and Emmett Till, a teenager whose lynching in 1955 helped catalyze the civil rights movement.
"We will not stop fighting for you," she continued. "I’m sick at what has transpired today. I was at a complete loss of words when I saw the breaking headlines today. We cannot continue this way. WAKE UP!"
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam said in a statement on his band's Twitter that the decision was "egregious and lacking in justice."
"This charge does not value her life and continues to validate the broken system that does not support those most in need, especially communities of color," he added.
Though McCready wrote that he does not agree with violent protests, he added that "deciding what is an appropriate way for communities of color to react is not my place or the place of any other white person."
"What I believe my job as a white man is, is to be an ally to communities of color, work at being antiracist, and listen to help effect change for communities most in need."
Christian hip hop artist Lecrae tweeted the news was "all kind of numbing.
"On one hand it’s like I KNOW I’m not crazy there’s a real problem in our country. On the other I’m sad that everyone doesn’t see it and some don’t want to," he added. "Of course I know God is at work. It’s just tough to process it all."
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin said in an interview with the AP that he expects the decision to provoke outrage.
"Of course people are going to get on the street and they’re going to show you their pain, they’re going to show you their anger," he said. "And you have to meet that by listening. You cannot meet that by pushing back with what are essentially baseball bats and poison that you’re spraying in people’s eyes and noses. But that is what will happen."
Contributing: Louisville Courier Journal and the Associated Press
Breonna Taylor's mom and Beyoncé's mom get emotional talking Heroes Act, voting reform


usatoday--2020-09-23--Eric Trump must sit for deposition in NY investigation before Election Day, judge rules

A New York judge ordered Eric Trump to sit for a deposition with state investigators before Oct. 7 , denying his attempt to push it off until after Election Day .
New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron of Manhattan issued an oral ruling Wednesday siding with state Attorney General Letitia James ' office , which sued Trump over his request to delay his deposition into November or beyond .
James ' office is investigating whether President Donald Trump and his companies improperly inflated the value of four of his properties , including the massive Seven Springs estate in northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether the Trump Organization — which Eric Trump , the president 's son , now leads — and the president benefitted financially from the potentially inflated values by getting better terms on loans and boosting tax write-offs .
More : NY AG investigating whether Donald Trump inflated value of Seven Springs estate In an online hearing Tuesday , Alan Futerfas , an attorney for Eric Trump , said his client 's seven-days-a-week campaign schedule will not allow enough time for him to prepare for a deposition in the case .
Engoron was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argument `` unpersuasive '' and ordering him to comply with the attorney general 's deposition subpoena prior to Oct. 7 .
`` The court is not bound by the timeline of this election , '' Engoron said .
Engoron said he would sign his order later Wednesday .
James ' ongoing investigation was launched after former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen accused Trump of inflating his assets .
Cohen laid out his accusations during testimony to Congress in March 2019 .
According to court filings , the probe focuses on four major Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate in northern Westchester .
Donald Trump had been trying to develop for years before agreeing to a conservation easement in 2015 , prior to becoming president .
The court documents from August show James ' office is examining whether the Trump inflated the assessed value of the sprawling Westchester property , allowing one of his limited liability companies to claim a $ 21.1 million tax exemption on forms submitted to the IRS .
Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network .
He can be reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at @ JonCampbellGAN .
We cover the stories from the New York State Capitol and across New York that matter most to you and your family .
Please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription to the New York publication nearest you .
Check out the latest offer .

Eric Trump must sit for deposition in NY investigation before Election Day, judge rules
Show Caption Hide Caption Eric Trump: Proud of what my dad is doing for US Eric Trump, one of President Donald Trump's sons, made his case for his father's reelection on Tuesday, the second night of the Republican National Convention. He called this election a fight for freedom "that only my father can win." (Aug. 26) AP
A New York judge ordered Eric Trump to sit for a deposition with state investigators before Oct. 7, denying his attempt to push it off until after Election Day.
New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron of Manhattan issued an oral ruling Wednesday siding with state Attorney General Letitia James' office, which sued Trump over his request to delay his deposition into November or beyond.
James' office is investigating whether President Donald Trump and his companies improperly inflated the value of four of his properties, including the massive Seven Springs estate in northern Westchester County.
The investigation is focused on whether the Trump Organization — which Eric Trump, the president's son, now leads — and the president benefitted financially from the potentially inflated values by getting better terms on loans and boosting tax write-offs.
More: NY AG investigating whether Donald Trump inflated value of Seven Springs estate
In an online hearing Tuesday, Alan Futerfas, an attorney for Eric Trump, said his client's seven-days-a-week campaign schedule will not allow enough time for him to prepare for a deposition in the case.
Engoron was not convinced, calling Eric Trump's argument "unpersuasive" and ordering him to comply with the attorney general's deposition subpoena prior to Oct. 7.
"The court is not bound by the timeline of this election," Engoron said.
Engoron said he would sign his order later Wednesday.
James' ongoing investigation was launched after former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen accused Trump of inflating his assets. Cohen laid out his accusations during testimony to Congress in March 2019.
According to court filings, the probe focuses on four major Trump properties, including the 212-acre Seven Springs estate in northern Westchester. Donald Trump had been trying to develop for years before agreeing to a conservation easement in 2015, prior to becoming president.
The court documents from August show James' office is examining whether the Trump inflated the assessed value of the sprawling Westchester property, allowing one of his limited liability companies to claim a $21.1 million tax exemption on forms submitted to the IRS.
Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at JCAMPBELL1@Gannett.com or on Twitter at @JonCampbellGAN.
Support local journalism
We cover the stories from the New York State Capitol and across New York that matter most to you and your family. Please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription to the New York publication nearest you. Check out the latest offer.


usatoday--2020-09-23--Grizzly bear kills hunter in largest US national park in first-of-its-kind attack

A grizzly bear mauled and killed a hunter at an Alaska park Sunday , the National Park Service ( NPS @ @ @ @ @ attack occurred in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve , America 's largest national @ @ @ @ @ was on a 10-day moose hunt with a friend .
The friend was n't injured @ @ @ @ @ hunter 's identity was withheld , pending investigation .
`` The incident is the first @ @ @ @ @ in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve since the park was established in 1980 , @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` Visitors are encouraged to be Bear Aware when traveling in the @ @ @ @ @ as carrying bear spray and using Bear Resistant Food Containers . ''
At 13.2 million @ @ @ @ @ ) , Wrangell-St. Elias is the same size as Yellowstone National Park , Yosemite National @ @ @ @ @ Switzerland combined .
Fatal bear attacks are rare .
According to Alaska News Source , @ @ @ @ @ 2.56 bear attack deaths in the continent of North America each year .

Grizzly bear kills hunter in largest US national park in first-of-its-kind attack
A grizzly bear mauled and killed a man at an Alaska park Sunday, the National Park Service confirmed.
The fatal attack occurred in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, America's largest national park, while the man was on a 10-day moose hunt with a friend.
The friend wasn't injured in the attack.
"The incident is the first known bear mauling fatality recorded in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve since the park was established in 1980," the NPS wrote in a statement. "Visitors are encouraged to be Bear Aware when traveling in the backcountry and take precautions such as carrying bear spray and using Bear Resistant Food Containers."
Austin Pfeiffer, 22, of Mansfield, Ohio, was the victim of the attack, reports the Mansfield News Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, citing the Mansfield Police Department.
Pfeiffer was a job site foreman with Dolce's Tree Service and a skilled tree climber, lift operator and all around handyman, according to his employer's website.
At 13.2 million acres (20,625 square miles), Wrangell-St. Elias is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and the country of Switzerland combined.
Fatal bear attacks are rare. According to Alaska News Source, on average, there are 2.56 bear attack deaths in the continent of North America each year.
Contributing: Lou Whitmire, Mansfield News Journal


usatoday--2020-09-23--Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers dies at 77

Chicago Bears legendary running back Gale Sayers has died at 77 , the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday morning .
Sayers ' family announced in 2017 that he had been battling dementia since 2013 .
Nicknamed the `` Kansas Comet , '' Sayers was the Hall 's youngest inductee at 34 .
Sayers ' legacy was cemented in seven seasons ( 1965-71 ) as his career was cut short after 68 games due to knee injuries .
In that short span , he became one of the sport 's most explosive running backs .
Sayers earned the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had four Pro Bowl seasons and was a first-team All-Pro selection in his first five seasons .
He was selected by Chicago with the fourth pick overall in 1965 , and his versatility produced dividends and highlight-reel slaloms through opposing defenses right from the start .
“ If you wish to see perfection as a running back , you had best get a hold of a film of Gale Sayers , ” Bears founder George Halas said in 1977 .
“ He was poetry in motion .
His like will never be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers , '' Baker said .
`` He was the very essence of a team player – quiet , unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block .
Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity during his NFL career and life .
`` The 'Kansas Comet ' burst onto the scene in the National Football League and captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite playing only 68 NFL games because of an injury-shortened career , Gale was a clear-cut – and first-ballot – Hall of Famer for his accomplishments on the field and for the man of character he was in life .
`` The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Gale .
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife , Ardie , and their entire family .
We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations .
The Hall of Fame flag will fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest . ''
Sayers set the Bears ' single-season touchdowns record with 22 as a rookie ( 14 rushing , six receiving and one each on kickoff and punt returns ) .
Sayers amassed 4,956 yards rushing and 1,307 yards receiving in his career .
He had 56 total touchdowns .
Said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement : `` The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers .
Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electrifying and elusive runner who thrilled fans every time he touched the ball .
He earned his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer .
We will also forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness .
Gale 's quiet unassuming demeanor belied his determination , competitiveness and compassion . ''
After his playing days , Sayers served as athletic director at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and founded several technology and consulting businesses .

Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers dies at 77
Chicago Bears legendary running back Gale Sayers has died at 77 , the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday morning. Sayers' family announced in 2017 that he had been battling dementia since 2013.
Nicknamed the "Kansas Comet," Sayers was the Hall's youngest inductee at 34. Sayers' legacy was cemented in seven seasons (1965-71) as his career was cut short after 68 games due to knee injuries. In that short span, he became one of the sport's most explosive running backs.
Sayers earned the NFL's rookie of the year in 1965, had four Pro Bowl seasons and was a first-team All-Pro selection in his first five seasons. He was selected by Chicago with the fourth pick overall in 1965, and his versatility produced dividends and highlight-reel slaloms through opposing defenses right from the start.
“If you wish to see perfection as a running back, you had best get a hold of a film of Gale Sayers,” Bears founder George Halas said in 1977. “He was poetry in motion. His like will never be seen again.”
Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker released a statement Wednesday.
"All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers," Baker said. "He was the very essence of a team player – quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity during his NFL career and life.
"The 'Kansas Comet' burst onto the scene in the National Football League and captured the attention of all of America. Despite playing only 68 NFL games because of an injury-shortened career, Gale was a clear-cut – and first-ballot – Hall of Famer for his accomplishments on the field and for the man of character he was in life.
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Gale. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will fly at half-staff until he is laid to rest."
Sayers set the Bears' single-season touchdowns record with 22 as a rookie (14 rushing, six receiving and one each on kickoff and punt returns). Sayers amassed 4,956 yards rushing and 1,307 yards receiving in his career. He had 56 total touchdowns.
Said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement: "The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers. Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game's most exciting players.
"Gale was an electrifying and elusive runner who thrilled fans every time he touched the ball. He earned his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. We will also forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness. Gale's quiet unassuming demeanor belied his determination, competitiveness and compassion."
After his playing days, Sayers served as athletic director at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and founded several technology and consulting businesses.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-23--Sports world reacts to grand jury's decision in Breonna Taylor's shooting death

Now that a grand jury in Kentucky has indicted one of the three Louisville police officers involved in the shooting death of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor on a lesser charge , sports figures are starting to express their opinions .
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr called the ruling `` demoralizing '' and `` discouraging , '' saying , `` I just keep thinking about the generation of American kids of any color .
Is this way the way we want to raise them ?
Is this the country we want to live in ? ''
The NBA and WNBA have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice reform on social media and on signage inside their competition bubbles in Florida .
James Wade , head coach and general manager of the WNBA 's Chicago Sky , said the decision -- which failed to mention Taylor and did not charge the other two officers in the shooting -- was `` really bad , '' adding , `` I don ’ t understand what we stand for and why life doesn ’ t mean anything . ''
The only charges handed down by the grand jury were for wanton endangerment related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an apartment next door to Taylor 's .
The other two officers ' use of force was justified , state Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a news conference .
“ I think we 're being heard , but obviously the goals that we 're trying to achieve we 're very far away from after seeing today 's verdict , '' Green told reporters Wednesday afternoon .
`` Seems like every time we turn around and look at the news , it 's always something disheartening or disappointing , and that 's from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our country . ''
From the NFL , Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson said the fact that no officers were charged directly in Taylor 's death showed `` exactly the systemic rot that people are protesting for . ''
He added : `` Angry does n't even come close to how im feeling . ''
Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce -- who , along with Kerr , is part of the NBA 's Coaches for Racial Justice initiative -- said he understands why people are so upset .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are marching , protesting , fighting and why the importance of the election has increased , '' Pierce said .
`` So yeah , there was a grand jury .
Yeah , they went through the information .
And yeah , they have the facts to support whatever the claims may be .
`` But that doesn ’ t provide any justice for those on the outside and those that feel that police and law enforcement should be there to protect them , regardless of what the laws are .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In the wake of the decision and the protests that have followed , the city of Louisville is under a curfew from 9 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. for the next 72 hours and sports events were canceled .
Former Louisville basketball star Donovan Mitchell , now with the Utah Jazz , tweeted that he 's `` praying for the city of Louisville right now !
!
! ''
Meanwhile , the Lakers ' Green said he and other NBA players are n't going to lose hope that meaningful change is stipossible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a step back , that we have n't made the progress we were seeking .
Our voices are n't being heard loud enough .
But we 're not going to stop , '' Green said .
`` We 're going to continue .
We 're going to continue fighting , we 're going to continue to push , we 're going to continue to use our voices . ''

Sports world reacts to grand jury's decision in Breonna Taylor's shooting death
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor: Kentucky grand jury indicts 1 officer Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has been indicted on criminal charges after shooting into the apartment next door to Breonna Taylor. USA TODAY
Now that a grand jury in Kentucky has indicted one of the three Louisville police officers involved in the shooting death of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor on a lesser charge, sports figures are starting to express their opinions.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr called the ruling "demoralizing" and "discouraging," saying, "I just keep thinking about the generation of American kids of any color. Is this way the way we want to raise them? Is this the country we want to live in?"
The NBA and WNBA have mentioned Taylor prominently in calling for social justice reform on social media and on signage inside their competition bubbles in Florida.
James Wade, head coach and general manager of the WNBA's Chicago Sky, said the decision -- which failed to mention Taylor and did not charge the other two officers in the shooting -- was "really bad," adding, "I don’t understand what we stand for and why life doesn’t mean anything."
The only charges handed down by the grand jury were for wanton endangerment related to former detective Brett Hankison shooting into an apartment next door to Taylor's. The other two officers' use of force was justified, state Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a news conference.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green called the decision "a disappointment."
“I think we're being heard, but obviously the goals that we're trying to achieve we're very far away from after seeing today's verdict," Green told reporters Wednesday afternoon. "Seems like every time we turn around and look at the news, it's always something disheartening or disappointing, and that's from all standpoints of what's going on in our country."
Breonna Taylor’s killers getting off scot free without even a trial is exactly the systemic rot that people are protesting for. All those protests, all the outcry for justice, and can’t even get a trial. Angry doesn’t even come close to how im feeling. #BreonnaTaylor — Justin Jackson (@J_ManPrime21) September 23, 2020
From the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson said the fact that no officers were charged directly in Taylor's death showed "exactly the systemic rot that people are protesting for." He added: "Angry doesn't even come close to how im feeling."
Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns tweeted Thursday morning he was "disgusted" and "heartbroken."
"But the worst part about it all is," the wide receiver added, "I'm not shocked."
Disgusted. Heartbroken. But the worst part about it all is.. I’m not shocked. — Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) September 24, 2020
Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce -- who, along with Kerr, is part of the NBA's Coaches for Racial Justice initiative -- said he understands why people are so upset.
"It’s just a testament to why people are marching, protesting, fighting and why the importance of the election has increased," Pierce said. "So yeah, there was a grand jury. Yeah, they went through the information. And yeah, they have the facts to support whatever the claims may be.
"But that doesn’t provide any justice for those on the outside and those that feel that police and law enforcement should be there to protect them, regardless of what the laws are. That’s what the fight is about."
In the wake of the decision and the protests that have followed, the city of Louisville is under a curfew from 9 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. for the next 72 hours and sports events were canceled.
Former Louisville basketball star Donovan Mitchell, now with the Utah Jazz, tweeted that he's "praying for the city of Louisville right now!!!"
I don’t have many words right now.... but all I can say is I’m praying for the city of Louisville right now!!! 😔😔 — Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) September 23, 2020
Meanwhile, the Lakers' Green said he and other NBA players aren't going to lose hope that meaningful change is stipossible.
"We feel like we've taken a step back, that we haven't made the progress we were seeking. Our voices aren't being heard loud enough. But we're not going to stop," Green said. "We're going to continue. We're going to continue fighting, we're going to continue to push, we're going to continue to use our voices."
Contributing: Mark Medina, Jeff Zillgitt


usatoday--2020-09-23--Man held at gunpoint by police hires Benjamin Crump, wants $2.5 million from Arizona city

PHOENIX — A man is demanding $ 2.5 million from the city of Tempe , saying a `` hyperaggressive '' police officer with a known history of using unnecessary force against unarmed Black men held him at gunpoint while looking for a white suspect .
Body-camera video first reported by The Arizona Republic shows Tempe police Officer Ronald Kerzaya holding hotel employee Trevonyae Cumpian at gunpoint for minutes .
Cumpian has decided to file suit .
Kerzaya was looking for a white man wearing a black shirt and tan pants .
Cumpian , 28 , was wearing his work uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee .
The incident came months after Kerzaya and the department came under fire for a 2019 incident where Kerzaya used a stun gun on Ivaughn Oakry who was holding his 1-year-old child in his own home .
The notice of claim filed Wednesday also alleges the department attempted to cover up the hotel incident and a lack of action in the Oakry incident reinforced to officers that it was acceptable to use force without hesitation .
Dig deeper on race and identity : Subscribe to This Is America , USA TODAY 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same hyperaggressive Tempe police officer terrorize a black man on video before Tempe Police Officials stop trying to gaslight the public into excusing his behavior ? ''
the claim questions .
Cumpian is represented by Heather Hamel — an attorney from The People 's Law Firm also representing Oakry — and Florida-based civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump .
Crump , an attorney who was nicknamed `` Black America 's attorney general '' by civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton , most recently represented the family of Breonna Taylor .
Louisville city officials settled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the largest payouts in the U.S. for the shooting of a Black American by police .
He has also represented numerous other families involved in police brutality cases including the family of Wisconsin police shooting victim Jacob Blake and George Floyd , whose death in police custody in Minnesota sparked protests nationwide .
Hamel and Crump plan to hold a press conference further detailing the case Wednesday afternoon .
What does the notice of claim say ?
Body-camera footage showed Kerzaya respond to the Hawthorn Suites hotel in Tempe on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed white man .
While searching for the man , the footage shows Kerzaya hold a Cumpian at gunpoint despite Cumpian not matching the suspect description .
Kerzaya would not lower his gun until he confirmed the man was a hotel employee .
He then can be seen pointing his weapon at three others as he searches for the suspect , who was never found .
The notice of claim calls for Kerzaya , who has since been moved to an administrative role pending an investigation , be terminated due to his `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The demanded $ 2.5 million would cover the emotional trauma Cumpian sustained and the required lifetime of therapy resulting from Kerzaya 's actions , according to the claim .
The claim also details an alleged cover-up by the department to keep Kerzaya 's past conduct quiet .
The attorneys said officials attempted to avoid providing the officer 's badge number and , when they did , they provided Kerzaya 's middle name of Aaron , instead of Ronald .
They later provided his full name and Cumpian quickly discovered Kerzaya was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excessive force lawsuit brought by Oakry .
The department stood by Kerzaya and the other officers involved following the Oakry incident .
An investigation determined their actions were within policy and Kerzaya underwent mandatory re-training in contact communication , defense tactics and enhanced de-escalation techniques .
`` With the lid blown off its efforts to bury Kerzaya ’ s misconduct , Tempe Police leadership was forced to pivot to public acknowledgment , '' the claim details .
This — coupled with pressure from the media — forced the department to respond , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the department spoke publicly of accountability and transparency while allegedly engaging in retaliatory and intimidation techniques against Cumpian and his boss .
`` His waking hours are infiltrated with the stress of realizing that , if he hadn ’ t been successful at de-escalating Ronald Kerzaya ’ s hyperaggressive state , he could have been the next hashtag .
And his 1-month-old daughter wouldn ’ t have a father , '' the claim says .

Man held at gunpoint by police hires Benjamin Crump, wants $2.5 million from Arizona city
PHOENIX — A man is demanding $2.5 million from the city of Tempe, saying a "hyperaggressive" police officer with a known history of using unnecessary force against unarmed Black men held him at gunpoint while looking for a white suspect.
Body-camera video first reported by The Arizona Republic shows Tempe police Officer Ronald Kerzaya holding hotel employee Trevonyae Cumpian at gunpoint for minutes. Cumpian has decided to file suit.
Kerzaya was looking for a white man wearing a black shirt and tan pants. Cumpian, 28, was wearing his work uniform, which identified him as a hotel employee. The incident came months after Kerzaya and the department came under fire for a 2019 incident where Kerzaya used a stun gun on Ivaughn Oakry who was holding his 1-year-old child in his own home.
The notice of claim filed Wednesday also alleges the department attempted to cover up the hotel incident and a lack of action in the Oakry incident reinforced to officers that it was acceptable to use force without hesitation.
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"How many times may the same hyperaggressive Tempe police officer terrorize a black man on video before Tempe Police Officials stop trying to gaslight the public into excusing his behavior?" the claim questions.
Cumpian is represented by Heather Hamel — an attorney from The People's Law Firm also representing Oakry — and Florida-based civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.
Crump, an attorney who was nicknamed "Black America's attorney general" by civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton, most recently represented the family of Breonna Taylor. Louisville city officials settled the case for $12 million — one of the largest payouts in the U.S. for the shooting of a Black American by police.
Breonna Taylor settlement press conference: What Ben Crump said Attorney Ben Crump spoke at the press conference where city officials and Breonna Taylor's attorneys detailed the $12 million settlement. Jeff Faughender, Louisville Courier Journal
He has also represented numerous other families involved in police brutality cases including the family of Wisconsin police shooting victim Jacob Blake and George Floyd, whose death in police custody in Minnesota sparked protests nationwide.
Hamel and Crump plan to hold a press conference further detailing the case Wednesday afternoon.
What does the notice of claim say?
Body-camera footage showed Kerzaya respond to the Hawthorn Suites hotel in Tempe on Aug. 29, based on reports of an armed white man.
While searching for the man, the footage shows Kerzaya hold a Cumpian at gunpoint despite Cumpian not matching the suspect description. Kerzaya would not lower his gun until he confirmed the man was a hotel employee.
He then can be seen pointing his weapon at three others as he searches for the suspect, who was never found.
Bodycam footage: Tempe officer holding unarmed Black man at gunpoint Trevonyae Cumpian repeatedly told the Tempe officer that he was an employee of the hotel and not the armed white man the officer was looking for. Tempe Police Department
The notice of claim calls for Kerzaya, who has since been moved to an administrative role pending an investigation, be terminated due to his "blatant and continual abusiveness toward Black men."
The demanded $2.5 million would cover the emotional trauma Cumpian sustained and the required lifetime of therapy resulting from Kerzaya's actions, according to the claim.
The claim also details an alleged cover-up by the department to keep Kerzaya's past conduct quiet. The attorneys said officials attempted to avoid providing the officer's badge number and, when they did, they provided Kerzaya's middle name of Aaron, instead of Ronald. They later provided his full name and Cumpian quickly discovered Kerzaya was at the center of the multimullion dollar excessive force lawsuit brought by Oakry.
The department stood by Kerzaya and the other officers involved following the Oakry incident. An investigation determined their actions were within policy and Kerzaya underwent mandatory re-training in contact communication, defense tactics and enhanced de-escalation techniques.
"With the lid blown off its efforts to bury Kerzaya’s misconduct, Tempe Police leadership was forced to pivot to public acknowledgment," the claim details.
This — coupled with pressure from the media — forced the department to respond, according to the claim. The claim details how the department spoke publicly of accountability and transparency while allegedly engaging in retaliatory and intimidation techniques against Cumpian and his boss.
"His waking hours are infiltrated with the stress of realizing that, if he hadn’t been successful at de-escalating Ronald Kerzaya’s hyperaggressive state, he could have been the next hashtag. And his 1-month-old daughter wouldn’t have a father," the claim says.
Follow Bree Burkitt on Twitter: @breeburkitt.


usatoday--2020-09-24--'Cake Boss' Buddy Valastro's hand impaled during 'terrible accident' at home bowling alley

`` Cake Boss '' star Buddy Valastro is recovering at home after a `` terrible accident . ''
Valastro , the owner of Carlo 's Bakery in Hoboken , New Jersey , made famous on his baking reality show , shared a somber Instagram photo of himself lying in a hospital bed while holding up his heavily bandaged right hand on Wednesday .
`` What do you think of my new accessory ? ''
Valastro , 43 , lightheartedly captioned the photo , referring to his cast .
Carlo 's Bakery 's spokesperson Michael Ciullo told USA TODAY that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impaled by a `` metal rod '' Sunday during a `` malfunction with the bowling pinsetter '' at the bowling alley in his New Jersey home .
`` After trying to release the bowling pin from the cage mechanism , his right hand became lodged and compressed inside the unit , '' Ciullo said in a statement .
`` Unable to remove his hand , he can see a 1½ ( inch ) metal rod slowly and repeatedly impale his hand three times between his ring finger and middle finger . ''
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ciullo said the chef 's teen sons , Buddy Jr. , 16 , and Marco , 13 , used a reciprocating saw `` to cut through the metal rod and relieve ( their ) father from the machine . ''
Valastro also shares daughter Sofia , 17 , and son Carlo , 9 , with wife Lisa Valastro , 45 , who regularly appears on `` Cake Boss '' alongside Valastro and his extended family .
The television personality has since had two surgeries on his hand and was released from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an uphill battle as it 's Buddy 's dominant right hand and he will need prolonged recovery and therapy , '' Ciullo added .
The food industry rallied around Valastro and sent their best wishes .
Duff Goldman , a fellow pastry chef who appeared with Valastro on the competitive baking show `` Buddy vs. Duff , '' wrote , `` Get better homie .
You ’ re gon na need that hand . ''
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse replied , `` Get better quick my friend ! ''
Food Network 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guarnaschelli commented , `` Those hands are a national treasure and so are you !
Get well soon . ''
It 's not clear how the injury will effect Valastro 's ability to create the cake masterpieces that have been featured on `` Cake Boss , '' which premiered on TLC in 2009 .
More : 'Cake Boss ' boat rescued after getting fogged in Iconic cakes from hotels around the world ( some can be ordered right now )

'Cake Boss' Buddy Valastro's hand impaled during 'terrible accident' at home bowling alley
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Friends': Gabrielle Union hosts Zoom table read with all-Black cast Ryan Michelle Bathe, Sterling K. Brown, Uzo Aduba, Aisha Hinds, Kendrick Sampson and Jeremy Pope are coming together for an all-Black "Friends." USA TODAY
"Cake Boss" star Buddy Valastro is recovering at home after a "terrible accident."
Valastro, the owner of Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, made famous on his baking reality show, shared a somber Instagram photo of himself lying in a hospital bed while holding up his heavily bandaged right hand on Wednesday.
"What do you think of my new accessory?" Valastro, 43, lightheartedly captioned the photo, referring to his cast.
Carlo's Bakery's spokesperson Michael Ciullo told USA TODAY that the famed pastry chef's hand was repeatedly impaled by a "metal rod" Sunday during a "malfunction with the bowling pinsetter" at the bowling alley in his New Jersey home.
"After trying to release the bowling pin from the cage mechanism, his right hand became lodged and compressed inside the unit," Ciullo said in a statement. "Unable to remove his hand, he can see a 1½ (inch) metal rod slowly and repeatedly impale his hand three times between his ring finger and middle finger."
'Cake Boss' star Buddy Valastro brings bakery to Mall of America
After Valastro had been trapped for five minutes, Ciullo said the chef's teen sons, Buddy Jr., 16, and Marco, 13, used a reciprocating saw "to cut through the metal rod and relieve (their) father from the machine."
Valastro also shares daughter Sofia, 17, and son Carlo, 9, with wife Lisa Valastro, 45, who regularly appears on "Cake Boss" alongside Valastro and his extended family.
The television personality has since had two surgeries on his hand and was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
"It will be an uphill battle as it's Buddy's dominant right hand and he will need prolonged recovery and therapy," Ciullo added.
More: Buddy Valastro makes Gigi Hadid's pregnancy-craving inspired birthday cake
The food industry rallied around Valastro and sent their best wishes.
Duff Goldman, a fellow pastry chef who appeared with Valastro on the competitive baking show "Buddy vs. Duff," wrote, "Get better homie. You’re gonna need that hand."
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse replied, "Get better quick my friend!"
Food Network's "Iron Chef America" judge Alex Guarnaschelli commented, "Those hands are a national treasure and so are you! Get well soon."
It's not clear how the injury will effect Valastro's ability to create the cake masterpieces that have been featured on "Cake Boss," which premiered on TLC in 2009.
More: 'Cake Boss' boat rescued after getting fogged in
Iconic cakes from hotels around the world (some can be ordered right now)