LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: The above video might be distressing to some.
UPDATE: WHAS11 received an official statement from Turhan Knight on Saturday afternoon.
"I want to first apologize to the Mother, Boyfriend and Family of Breona Taylor because I never meant to compound or further remind them of the tragedy that has taken place. And I also apologize to my family, friends, the community & my church member’s because I knew better and I ask them to forgive me. I understand the severity of my actions and why I am currently in this position and the insensitive comments I made in a joking way should not have been made AT ALL. I accept what has been taken away from me and I understand why. I also apologize to anyone within law enforcement especially at my former department that I share relationships with that may be affected by this, I am sorry. My feelings towards a certain group/situation should not reflect on all law enforcement within this city who do their jobs honorably.
I have no desire to go back & forth or mud sling I just would like truths to be told from my former department and the FOP that formerly represented me. I was not fired by them, I did in fact issue resignation for another job almost 3 weeks ago prior to the video that was recorded last Thursday/early Friday morning. I do understand their need to distance themselves from me and my actions but an open records request and reviewing of departmental emails, my exit interview, will show everything I’m saying to be true. A suspension was given, and a write up may exist but it was never served to me, nor any termination paperwork there just wasn’t enough time because I was scheduled to leave 2 day’s after the admin meeting with me. I was misled, and I feel that I’m being used for an agenda by powers that be out of opportunity/cover-up and that is unfair. I should have received punishment I don’t deny that, but blatant lies told against me to look good for media purposes is just wrong. I will have a lawyer address the release of certain info and the truthfulness of statements released/given in reference to me that are false and request media retractions. I will not give any video interviews at this time and this will probably be my final statement, because I do not have the backing & partnerships that the department and my former representation has to control media narratives, whether truthful or not.
In closing I hope that I can be forgiven, I pray I will. I made a terrible decision, there aren’t enough apologies that I can give right now but I am deeply remorseful."
A Louisville Metro Corrections officer has been fired after he posted a video with what the department called "disparaging comments" about Louisville Metro Police and Breonna Taylor.
The video shows former Corrections officer Turhan Knight at the Kentucky State Fair in front of the LMPD display. He appears to be making a parody of a recruitment video, but what he says quickly takes a turn.
“Answer the call, be a part of a great, great police department. Never mind what happened to Breonna Taylor, we killed that (expletive),” Knight said. “Do you want to be able to support your family, do you want to kill people and get off for it? Join Louisville Metro Police Department.”
LMDC was quick to respond to the video and fired Knight as of Thursday.
LMDC said they were “disgusted by Knight’s actions and the termination process began as soon as we confirmed the existence of the video.”
The Fraternal Order of Police’s President Daniel Johnson also responded in support of the termination.
"The video is beyond disturbing and there is no place in uniform for anyone that would do something so insensitive. We believe the termination was absolutely justified and was the right decision. Knights views and opinions of LMPD does not reflect those of FOP Lodge 77. There will be no appeal from the FOP on his termination and we are glad to see the department take quick action to end his employment."
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