Demonstrators took to the streets of Cincinnati Wednesday night to protest the grand jury decision in the death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville. One officer was charged with wanton endangerment for firing his weapon into neighboring apartments. Two other officers were not charged.
Murray Burnam of Fort Mitchell says marchers want the same thing they've been marching for all summer: to stop the deaths of unarmed Black people at the hands of police.
"What we're asking for is equal rights; for fairness when it comes to law enforcement, when it comes to the judicial system; fairness in the courts; fairness from the people who are sworn to protect and serve the community," he says. "Pretty much, it's simple: stop killing our people. Stop killing unarmed people of color for no reason."
Burnam says while there are a small percentage of cops who shouldn't be wearing a badge, he's not in favor of defunding the police. "Do I agree with the things that take place under the cover of darkness? No, I don't. I don't believe in destruction of property. I don't believe in looting and burning. Peaceful protest should be respected as peaceful protest."
He encouraged other demonstrators to stay calm, reminding them to let cars pass through on Main Street in front of the Hamilton County Courthouse.
Burnam says he's still hopeful the change he wants to see can come about peacefully. "I'm proud of the progress this city has made. But let's not fool ourselves. This struggle's not over. We've got a long way to go."
