Turhan Knight, a Black Louisville Metro correctional officer, was removed from his position, according to NBCNews, after he made a video mocking Breonna Taylor’s unjust death. To be honest, calling Knight’s repulsive actions “mocking” is too limited and insufficient. On Breonna Taylor’s grave, he essentially unzipped his fly, drew out his member, and urinated on it.
In the video, Turhan Knight appeared to pose as a Louisville Metro Police officer and walked among patrol vehicles, saying, “Trying to repair broken relationships, and brother, we need you.”
“We need backup, answer the call, be a part of a great, great police department. Never mind what happened to Breonna Taylor, we killed that b—-,” he said.
Taylor, a 26-year-old Black medical worker, was fatally shot in a botched police raid at her Louisville apartment in March 2020. Her death sparked national protests decrying police brutality, and four officers were federally charged with violating her civil rights this month.
“You want to drive vehicles like this? And fly in planes? Do you want to be able to have unlimited off-duty? Do you want to be able to support your family? Do you want to kill people and be able to get off for it? Join Louisville Metro Police Department,” Turhan Knight continued in the video.
Department Director Jerry Collins was said to be, “disgusted” by the content of the video and moved as quickly as possible to terminate Knight. “Knight’s behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the professionalism and spirit of service that we strive for at LMDC,” according to Major Darrell Goodlett. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer also chimed in saying, “There is zero excuse for his insensitivity. He has brought great shame upon Metro Corrections and all of Louisville Metro Government.”
Turhan Knight made this video two weeks ago on August 18, but he didn’t apologize or turn in a letter of resignation until after he had obtained a new job.
“I understand that the video was insensitive, and I am deeply remorseful for even making it,” Knight said.