MADISON — State Representative LaKeshia Myers has introduced legislation that would ban no-knock warrants in Wisconsin.
Myers (D-Milwaukee) introduced "Breonna's Law" on Feb. 1. The legislation is named for Breonna Taylor, who was killed during the execution of a no-knock warrant at her home in Louisville, Kentucky in March 2020.
“It is most appropriate for us to begin Black History Month 2021 by introducing ‘Breonna’s Law’," said Myers in a statement. "Breonna Taylor’s life was taken while she was in the comfort of her own home, through the use of a no-knock warrant. While Taylor was not the subject of the warrant, her life was mercilessly ended through no fault of her own. It is because of this that we call on Wisconsin legislators to end the use of no-knock warrants.”
According to Myers, Wisconsin was the first state to authorize the use of no-knock warrants in 1997.
“No-knock warrants are harmful to civilians and law enforcement officers alike; Milwaukee police officer Matthew Rittner was killed in the line of duty while his tactical unit executed a no-knock warrant in February 2019, because of a no-knock warrant, a wife lost her husband, Milwaukee lost a police officer, and a child lost its father," said Myers. "As the state that created no-knock warrants, Wisconsin has the responsibility to be the state to end their use. When you know better, you must do better, and this is a step in the right direction.”
Myers said that no-knock warrants "remain prevalent in Wisconsin than any other state."
