Breonna Taylor Statue Smashed To Pieces Just Two Weeks After It's Installed

A statue erected in honour of Breonna Taylor has been smashed.

The bust of the African-American woman, who was shot dead by police during a raid on her home in March, was found smashed in the city of Oakland, California.

The statue, which had only been constructed two weeks ago, showed Breonna smiling accompanied by a message that read: "Say her name: Breonna Taylor".

The statue was found smashed on Saturday, with the Oakland police department launching an investigation. As it stands, the police are yet to identify any suspects or motive.

Sculptor Leo Carson told local news that he was "devastated and enraged" that his artwork had been destroyed, but he was now going to rebuild the statue in bronze after raising enough money from donors.

Leo, who said he made the statue to honour of the Black Lives Matter movement wrote on Instagram: "The statue of Breonna Taylor has been vandalised in an act of racist aggression.

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"In an incredible show of solidarity, the community has raised enough money to rebuild her in bronze. An effort that took less than 24 hours.

"We will not be intimidated. We are many and they are few!"

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf wrote on Twitter: "It's a vicious attack against the light and justice sought in Breonna Taylor's name.

"We will keep moving forward; Oakland will not tolerate acts of hatred."

Breonna Taylor's story hit headlines worldwide during the Black Lives Matter movement earlier this year. The 26-year medical technician was in bed when plainclothes police officers stormed her home in Louisville, executing a search warrant as part of a drugs investigation.

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Breonna's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired one shot from licensed fire arm thinking it was a break-in - the police then returned fire, seeing Breonna shot and dying on her hallway floor.

Her family have since sued Louisville authorities, and reached a $12 million settlement.

However, none of the officers have been charged with Breonna's death.

Topics: Black Lives Matter, Life News, News, Life

Kimberley Bond

Kim is a journalist at Tyla, and has previously worked at the Evening Standard, Radio Times as well as several national newspapers. A showbiz obsessive and a television fanatic, Kim is particularly interested in celebrity gossip, A-list events and the latest releases on either the big or small screen. Contact her at [email protected]

@0xKimberley