Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the group's name. The group is actually called the Anti-Racism Anti-Police Brutality Coalition. WCPO regrets the error.
A group of protesters gathered in Downtown Cincinnati following a decision in the Breonna Taylor case Wednesday evening.
About 100 people rallied outside the Hamilton County Courthouse after a grand jury convened to investigate the March 13 police killing of Taylor, a Louisville ER technician, and recommended charges against only one of the three officers involved, former Det. Brett Hankison.
This group of peaceful protesters have made a loop around part of Cincinnati/OTR. About 100 remain outside of the courthouse. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/6ZrmZw3P6w
— Jake Ryle (@JakeWCPO) September 23, 2020
He was indicted on three counts of wanton endangerment, not for shooting Taylor but for endangering the lives of her neighbors when he fired his gun into her apartment. Hankison was booked in the Shelby County Detention Center and was released after posting a $15,000 bond, according to WCPO media partner LEX18.
MORE: Officer charged with wanton endangerment in connection to Breonna Taylor's death
For community member Cory Brown, part of the Anti-Racism Anti-Police Brutality Coalition fighting against cases of police brutality, the Louisville case has far-reaching consequences.
“We’re out here because this is systemic,” Brown said. “This is not something that’s a blip on the radar. It continues to happen. It’s been happening for generations and it has to come to an end.”
As some medics for the group wielded assault rifles, no violent incidents took place as the group chanted down Vine Street Wednesday.
Protester Steven Walls said he and dozens of others came Downtown to show solidarity amid calls for racial justice.
“We know the way things are going right now. It’s not working. We should work to change something about it,” Walls said.
By 8 p.m., protesters in Downtown Cincinnati had dispersed after groups marched down Main Street near Court Street Wednesday.
“It does happen in every city. That’s where we’re coming from. That’s why we’re continuing organizing, and continuing what we do," Brown said.
This group of protesters is now disbanding and going off in their separate directions. Protest here is wrapped up. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/u7YcPlgz0Z
— Jake Ryle (@JakeWCPO) September 23, 2020
Meanwhile, in Louisville, streets were filled with demonstrators, with some detained by police, according to Mayor Greg Fischer. The city is under a state of emergency and a 9 p.m. curfew as many downtown businesses were boarded up and police officers were called back from vacations.
Two police officers had been shot Wednesday evening in Louisville amid protests, Metro Police Chief Robert Schroeder confirmed.
The National Guard has been deployed in Louisville in a support role, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
