LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Emotions ran high outside the federal courthouse Monday as former Louisville Metro Police officer Brett Hankison was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for violating civil rights during the deadly Breonna Taylor raid.
Among those watching closely was former officer John Mattingly, who was shot in the leg by Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, the night of the raid. Mattingly spoke exclusively to WDRB’s Scott Reynolds following the sentencing and served as a character witness for Hankison.
“I would hope I would do the same thing — disregard my safety and the possibility of losing my freedom and job to save somebody else,” Mattingly said. “That was his only goal there. It wasn't malicious, it wasn't intent to go and kill someone. It was simply to stop a threat.”
He added, “Until you're in that situation, it's a tough call, because it's just bang bang. It's quick.”
Mattingly stood by Hankison, saying the former officer has been unfairly blamed for Taylor’s death.
“If you take the emotions out of it, he didn’t cause her death, he didn’t hurt anyone, and yet he’s kind of had the weight of this case on his shoulders,” Mattingly said. “Everything points to blaming Brett — Brett’s gotta go to prison for her death — when he didn’t cause it. He didn’t write the warrant. He didn’t do the investigation. He didn’t kill her. He was simply trying to save lives and hurt no one.”
The sentence, which was longer than the one day recommended by the Department of Justice, did little to calm tensions in downtown Louisville. In the sweltering heat, the emotional temperature of the crowd boiled over.
"Today was just another slap in the face to everybody that’s been there — and even lost their lives — since May 28, 2020," one woman said.
Still, others saw the ruling as a rare moment of accountability.
“I believe it showed a little integrity with the justice system,” one community member told WDRB. “Kudos to the judge... I do feel like they should have taken him today.”
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, D-1, called it a step forward.
“Today did show that there is hope, because there has never been a time that any officer has been sentenced like this,” Hawkins said. “So, this gives us a little hope in the system. And I’m definitely going to follow this case.”
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Donna Purvis, D-5, was thankful the judge ignored the DOJ's recommended sentence, and said she continues to pray for Ms. Palmer, Taylor's mother, and the whole family.
Congressman Morgan McGarvey, KY-03, said this moment, although painful, also honors Taylor's memory.
"Nothing can make up for all the birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other memories her family continues to endure without her," McGarvey said in a statement. "This is also a moment to commit to honoring Breonna’s memory by fighting for justice and accountability throughout our city and entire country.”
Hankison is the first officer involved in the Breonna Taylor case to receive a prison sentence. In addition to his 33 months in prison, Hankison also received three years of supervised release. However, he will not report directly to prison. The Bureau of Prisons will determine where and when he starts his sentence, and if he appeals, he could remain out on bail.
Related Coverage:
Judge sentences ex-LMPD officer Brett Hankison to 33 months in prison in Breonna Taylor case
Judge criticizes Brett Hankison attorneys, denies new trial in Breonna Taylor case
Department of Justice recommends no prison time for Brett Hankison in Breonna Taylor case
New sentencing date scheduled for Brett Hankison after conviction in Breonna Taylor case
Prosecutors ask to delay sentencing of Brett Hankison for conviction in Breonna Taylor case
Jury finds LMPD detective Brett Hankison guilty of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights
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