[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 166 (Thursday, September 24, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                PROTESTS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I have spoken repeatedly in recent 
months about the tragic killing of Breonna Taylor in my hometown of 
Louisville, the need for justice, and the healing work ahead for our 
community.
  Kentucky's attorney general, Daniel Cameron, conducted exactly the 
kind of thorough and impartial investigation that justice demands. 
Yesterday, that chapter concluded, and the grand jury conducted the 
handoff to criminal prosecution. I have full confidence in the attorney 
general's painstaking pursuit of facts and justice.
  Many Kentuckians have channeled their continuing grief and anger in a 
peaceful exercise of their First Amendment rights. But in Louisville 
last night, we saw more of the lawlessness, riots, and violence that 
have plagued American cities too often this year. Citizens' businesses 
were vandalized, fires were set in the streets, and two officers of the 
Metro Police Department were shot and wounded while protecting public 
safety downtown. As of last night, one officer was still undergoing 
surgery, but both were in stable condition. We are praying that both 
will make full recoveries. One suspect is in custody.
  Peaceful protests honor the memory of Breonna Taylor. Peaceful 
protests move us toward justice. Smashing windows does not. Setting 
fires does not. Rioting in the streets does not. Trying to gun down law 
enforcement officers who were bravely serving their community is the 
kind of despicable cowardice that must be met with the full force of 
the law.
  I sincerely thank all the Kentucky peace officers who continue to put 
their lives on the line every single day. I hope and expect that our 
Governor and mayor will take every necessary step to secure the 
justice, peace, law, and order that every Kentuckian deserves.

                          ____________________