The officer, Turhan Knight, was terminated August 25 after the department’s director, Jerry Collins, viewed the video and was “disgusted,” according to the statement from LMDC. Knight had been employed by the LMDC since 2018, according to the statement.
Knight has since apologized, calling the video a joke.
“Be a part of a great, great police department. Never mind what happened to Breonna Taylor, we killed that (bleep),” he says.
In the video, Knight discusses the benefits of working for LMPD, like driving police vehicles and being able to provide for a family. “Do you want to kill people and be able to get off for it?” he says. “Join Louisville Metro Police Department and answer the call.”
Louisville Metro Police Department said it had no comment on the video since it is not the investigating agency and referred CNN to LMDC.
“I want to first apologize to the Mother, Boyfriend and Family of (Breonna) Taylor because I never meant to compound or further remind them of the tragedy that has taken place,” Knight said in the statement. “And I also apologize to my family, friends, the community & my church members because I knew better and I ask them to forgive me.”
“I’m in the process of retaining a lawyer, I’m just deeply remorseful and never meant anything bad or against the Breonna Taylor Family because I know the family,” Knight added. “It was a joke recorded by another officer about how I felt LMPD admin and some officers handled past situations and I regret it.”
CNN has attempted to reach Knight but has not received a response.
The FOP lodge believes the termination was “absolutely justified” and will not appeal it, according to a statement from its president, Daniel Johnson.
“The video was absolutely horrible and there is no place in public service for anyone that would do something so insensitive,” the statement says.
