LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Mayor Linda Gorton announced Monday afternoon an immediate moratorium on no-knock warrants, except in life and death cases. Still, some protesters we spoke to are doubtful the moratorium will lead to police reform.
A protest organizer says she believes Mayor Linda Gorton's announcement of a moratorium on no-knock warrants is a political move and something that should have been done a long time ago.
Lexington's city council members met on Monday to discuss their response to protesters and their demands for change. Step one, as it relates to police reform, is Monday's moratorium on no-knock warrants except in life or death situations, something Louisville leaders put in place last week.
While police say they have not executed a no-knock warrant in Lexington for a year, protest organizer Sarah Williams says it took too long to put in place after the shooting of Breonna Taylor on March 13.
"I do feel like if you are somebody who is operating beyond photo ops and nice things to say, that seem like they help and actually care about black and brown lives. The no-knock warrants, the moratorium would have already been in place. Why did it take us hitting the streets as many days as we have to consider that?" Sarah Williams said.
Council members say they are united and working toward meaningful change after getting a loud and clear message from their constituents.
"The streets are talking, the community is talking, and we all have to listen," said city council member James Brown.
The city council meets again on Tuesday, during their regularly scheduled meeting, to discuss police reform, specifically policies and procedures.
