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Sen. Rand Paul introduces 'Justice for Breonna Taylor' Act, which would ban no-knock warrants nationwide

Sen. Rand Paul introduces 'Justice for Breonna Taylor' Act, which would ban no-knock warrants nationwide
Posted at 9:43 AM, Jun 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-12 12:43:13-04

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has introduced a bill to ban no-knock warrants nationwide in the wake of Breonna Taylor's shooting death in Louisville.

The "Justice for Breonna Taylor" Act bans federal law enforcement officers from forcing themselves into someone's home without announcing their authority or purpose.

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Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT from Louisville, was killed during a police raid on her home back in March, which was conducted under the authority of a no-knock warrant. It would also require the same of any state or local law enforcement agency that receives funds from the Department of Justice.

"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 Sen. Paul in a statement. "This bill will effectively end no-knock raids in the United States."

The City of Louisville has since banned the use of no-knock warrants after Taylor's death and named the new ordinance after her. The Louisville Metro Council unanimously voted Thursday night to ban the controversial warrants after days of protests and calls for reform.

According to NPR, the law requires police to wear body cameras when serving warrants and turn them on five minutes before entering a person's home. Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, said the new law would save lives.

No charges have been filed in connection to Taylor's death.

This story was first published by WLEX's Jordan Mickle.