LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tensions boiled over in a Louisville courtroom this morning when Bianca Austin, the aunt of Breonna Taylor, was arrested during the sentencing hearing for former police officer Brett Hankison. The arrest has sparked outrage among activists and community members, who are calling it an act of intimidation against a family member seeking justice.
Hankison, the former Louisville Metro Police officer involved in the deadly 2020 raid that killed Taylor, was convicted earlier this year for his role in the botched operation. Yet in a controversial move, the U.S. Department of Justice — now under the Trump administration — recently adjusted its recommendation, urging the court to reduce Hankison’s sentence to time served. If accepted, it would amount to just one day in jail, followed by supervised probation.
According to early reports, Austin was taken into custody on allegations of disorderly conduct during the court proceedings. Courtroom observers and activists quickly denounced the arrest. The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear. Those close to the situation say the arrest is retaliation against a relative who spoke out about Taylor’s death.
Austin has gained national attention for her outspoken activism since her niece’s death. Community leaders and legal advocates condemned her arrest today, calling it an attempt to silence dissent during a tense moment.
Legal observers expect a challenge to the charges, and national organizers have begun circulating calls for support.
Many see this as part of a larger pattern: with the DOJ’s sentencing reduction and the visible crackdown on protest. Critics say the system continues to fail families seeking justice while punishing those who refuse to remain silent.
This is a developing story.
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