**Biden, lawmakers react to Breonna Taylor decision: ‘It’s not enough’**
A Kentucky grand jury on Wednesday declined to charge three Louisville police officers with murder in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor during a botched raid on her apartment in March.
The grand jury indicted fired Officer Brett Hankison on three counts of wanton endangerment for allegedly firing shots into Taylor’s neighbors’ apartments but not into her apartment, where she was killed in her bed by other officers.
The decision sparked protests across the country and drew condemnation from politicians, activists and celebrities.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that the grand jury’s decision was “outrageous and offensive.”
“The fact that it took 180 days for the grand jury to even deliberate is an outrage, as is the failure to hold anyone accountable for Breonna Taylor’s death,” Biden said. “This is only the latest example of a justice system that continues to fail Black Americans.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “heartbroken” by the decision.
“We must never stop fighting for justice and accountability in the deaths of Black women and girls,” Harris said.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department would investigate whether federal civil rights laws were violated in Taylor’s death.
“The Justice Department is committed to investigating thoroughly the circumstances surrounding Ms. Taylor’s death and pursuing all appropriate federal charges,” Garland said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he was “disappointed” with the grand jury’s decision.
“I believe that the grand jury system is the best way to ensure that justice is served in our society,” McConnell said. “However, I am deeply disappointed with the outcome of the Breonna Taylor case.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said the grand jury’s decision was “a travesty of justice.”
“The fact that not a single officer was charged with murder in the killing of Breonna Taylor is a stain on our justice system,” Pelosi said. “This decision is a reminder that we must continue to fight for justice and accountability for Black lives.”
The decision also drew criticism from civil rights leaders and activists.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said the decision was “a slap in the face to Breonna Taylor’s family and to the Black community.”
“This is not justice,” Sharpton said. “This is a cover-up.”
NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the decision was “a miscarriage of justice.”
“The grand jury’s decision is a betrayal of Breonna Taylor and her family,” Johnson said. “This is a clear example of how the justice system continues to fail Black people.”
The decision is likely to fuel protests and calls for police reform across the country.
Protests have already erupted in Louisville, New York City, Los Angeles and other cities.
Activists are calling for the officers involved in Taylor’s death to be fired and charged with murder.
They are also calling for an end to no-knock warrants, which allow police to enter a home without announcing themselves.
The Taylor case has become a symbol of the racial injustice and police brutality that Black people face in the United States.
The grand jury’s decision is a reminder that there is still much work to be done to achieve justice and equality for all Americans..
