The former police officer charged after the death of Breonna Taylor, a young African-American woman killed during a search in March in Louisville, Kentucky, pleaded Monday, September 28, not guilty to the three charges against him.
None of the three police officers who fired during the operation has been charged with the death of the young woman.
Brett Hankison is being prosecuted for endangering the lives of others, his shots having crossed the apartment of neighbors of Breonna Taylor.
No charges were brought against the other two police officers.
A jury ruled that they had acted in self-defense.
Brett Hankison, sacked by police in June, appeared free in a brief telephone hearing.
His lawyer, Stewart Matthews, has demanded that he be allowed to keep the guns he owns "for self-defense" because of "threats against him on social media."
His request was rejected by the presiding judge.
Up to 15 years in prison
His indictment last week sparked angry protests in Louisville and across the country, with protesters denouncing legal treatment they said was too lenient towards the three officers.
The next hearing has been set for October 28.
He faces up to 15 years in prison.
Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old nurse, was killed in the middle of the night at her home on March 13 when the three police officers showed up with a so-called "no knock" arrest warrant, which allows them to enter. at a suspect without announcing himself.
When they arrived, his companion had opened fire with a legally owned weapon, believing he was dealing with burglars.
The agents, who claim to have identified themselves before entering, retaliated and Breonna Taylor had received several bullets.
With AFP
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