Trump sends regards to family of Breonna Taylor: ‘It’s a sad thing’

President Trump on Thursday offered his regards to the family of Breonna Taylor and said the situation surrounding her killing was a “sad thing,” a day after a grand jury declined to file homicide charges in her death. 

“I think it’s a sad thing and I give my regards to the family of Breonna. I also think it’s so sad what is happening, everything about that case including law enforcement,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday afternoon when asked what his message was to her family. 

“So many people suffering, so many people needlessly suffering. But with respect to Breonna, we give our regards to her family,” Trump continued. 

Trump did not offer a comment on the grand jury decision in Taylor’s case.

Kentucky prosecutors announced Wednesday that the grand jury indicted one of three Louisville police officers involved in her fatal shooting with three counts of “wanton endangerment” for firing shots into other apartments. The two other officers involved in her shooting were not charged and there were no charges filed in direct relation to Taylor’s death. 

Louisville erupted in protests overnight Wednesday as demonstrators demanded justice for Taylor, an African American woman who was shot dead by police in April after officers executed a no-knock search warrant on her apartment in connection with a drug investigation. Authorities did not find drugs in the apartment. 

Police arrested dozens of individuals in Louisville on Wednesday. Two officers were also shot in the course of the demonstrations. Trump offered prayers for them overnight and said he spoke to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) to offer federal assistance.  

Praying for the two police officers that were shot tonight in Louisville, Kentucky. The Federal Government stands behind you and is ready to help. Spoke to @GovAndyBeshear and we are prepared to work together, immediately upon request!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2020

Taylor’s case became a rallying cry for individuals protesting racial injustice and police violence across the country in recent months. 

Trump was asked about the case during a news conference on Wednesday evening and praised Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R) as a “star.” He did not answer a shouted question about what he thought of people upset by the grand jury’s findings. 

Trump has mostly focused on offering support for law enforcement amid protests against racial injustice across the country, decrying the violent elements of the demonstrations and demanding “law and order.”