Breonna Taylor’s mother is asking all supporters to continue saying her daughter’s name despite the recent settlement.
“As significant as today is, it’s only the beginning of getting justice for Breonna,” Tamika Palmer said at a press conference earlier today (Sept. 15). “We must not lose focus on what the real job is…It’s time to move forward with the criminal charges because she deserves that and much more.”
“Her beautiful spirit and personality is working through all of us on the ground, so please continue to say her name: Breonna Taylor,” she continued.
Palmer made her statement alongside her family and attorneys just moments after the city of Louisville announced they would pay the Taylor family $12 million as part of a wrongful death lawsuit.
As part of the settlement, commanders are required to review and approve search warrants before they are put to a judge. Social workers will also accompany officers on some police runs, and a housing credit program will be developed to convince officers to live in the neighborhoods they serve.
“The city’s response in this case has been delayed and it’s been frustrating, but the fact that they’ve been willing to sit down and talk significant reform was a step in the right direction and hopefully a turning point,” attorney Sam Aguilar told WLKY.
Palmer also expressed gratitude for the police reforms her and her family were able to get approved. “Justice for Breonna means that we will continue to save lives in her honor,” said Palmer. “No amount of money accomplishes that, but the police reform measures that we were able to get passed as a part of this settlement mean so much more to my family, our community, and to Breonna’s legacy.”
Attorney Ben Crump added that he wishes the settlement will ensure Taylor’s “death has meaning and long-term impact – hopefully preventing the deaths of other Black lives.”
Taylor was fatally shot at the hands of police officers who raided her Louisville home back in March. The cops responsible for her killing have not yet been arrested.
Look below for the video of Palmer making her statement at today’s press conference.