‘Breonna’s law’ banning no-knock warrant is named after African American woman killed by police

Louisville lawmakers passed new measures after campaigners called for justice

The use of controversial “no-knock” warrants have been banned in Louisville, Kentucky, where lawmakers named the new ordinance after Breonna Taylor, who was killed in March during a police break-in.

Louisville Metro Police shot Ms Taylor eight times during a planned narcotics raid in which cops used a no-knock warrant to enter the emergency ambulance technician’s home on 13 March.

She was killed when officers exchanged shots with her boyfriend inside the home, where no drugs were found, police later said.

The Louisville Metro Council unanimously voted on Thursday night to ban the controversial warrants that have been condemned since protests against systemic racism and police violence began last month when George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis police-custody.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced on Twitter on Thursday night that he would sign “Breonna Law” as soon as possible.

“I plan to sign Breonna’s Law as soon as it hits my desk,” said Mr Fischer. “I suspended use of these warrants indefinitely last month, and wholeheartedly agree with Council that the risk to residents and officers with this kind of search outweigh any benefit.”

He continued: “This is one of many critical steps on police reform that we’ve taken to create a more peaceful, just, compassionate and equitable community.”

Ms Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said her daughter would “be so happy” with the new law, and said: “I’m just going to say, Breonna, that’s all she wanted to do was save lives, so with this law she will continue to get to do that”.

The law oversees how search warrants are carried out and mandates that cops must use body cameras during searches.

All Louisville Metro Police Department officers will now be equipped with body cameras that have to be activated at least five minutes before all searches begin and continue recording until five minutes afterwards.

The ordinance also states that all recorded data must be retained for five years.

Also on Thursday, Kentucky senator Rand Paul introduced a bill to the US Senate that would ban no-knock warrants nationwide.

“After talking with Breonna Taylor’s family, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s long past time to get rid of no-knock warrants,” said the Republican senator. “This bill will effectively end no-knock raids in the United States.”