'It's an eye for an eye now': BLM protesters in NYC threaten violence following Breonna Taylor grand jury decision

Demonstrators packed a New York City plaza Wednesday night to protest a Kentucky grand jury's decision not to indict any police officers for the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor while one protester took a megaphone and threatened 'an eye for an eye' as anger spread nationwide in some of America's largest cities.

Protesters took to the streets of Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Oakland, and other towns to vent their anger over the decision not to prosecute any officers for murder in the fatal March shooting of the 26-year-old EMT from Louisville.

In New York, a crowd of hundreds was chanting 'Say her name, Breonna Taylor,' and then started marching in the street in downtown Brooklyn, past onlookers and honking cars.

They were accompanied by musicians, setting a steady drum beat.

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The warrant used to search her home was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn on Wednesday night.

There did not appear to be any unrest, though one person with a megaphone made threats of violence.

'Forget "turn the other cheek," we're way past that, it’s "eye for an eye" now,' the man on the megaphone said. His comments were reported by journalist Nick Pinto on his Twitter feed.

'All of this anger, and they still have billions of our dollars,' another speaker told the crowd at Barclays, referring to the police.

'They're using our money, taxpayer money, to brutalize us. To murder us!'

Another speaker asked demonstrators to lie down on the pavement in front of the arena for 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the amount of time that Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, pressed his knee against the neck of George Floyd on May 25. Floyd died in police custody.

'Today, you’re Eric Garner,' the speaker said.

Protesters hold signs denouncing capitalism during demonstrations near the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday

YPD officers keep an eye on demonstrators as they protest in the Chinatown section of Manhattan on Wednesday

As of late Wednesday, there did not appear to be many arrests or confrontations between police and protesters

Protesters lie down on the pavement in front of Barclays Center in Brooklyn during a demonstration against the decision not to indict police officers in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor

A protester in Brooklyn wears a mask denouncing President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday

'Today you're George Floyd. Today a pig has his knee on your neck, and that means you're dead.'

Another speaker said: 'You ain't feel this f****** s***, you ain’t f****** human.'

'That’s real talk.'

Video images from social media showed the peaceful crowd listening to speakers in what was a subdued atmosphere.

Shortly afterward, the large crowd began marching toward Manhattan Bridge. An estimated 2,000 people made their way north on Flatbush Avenue.

The protesters chanted ‘Black Lives Matter’ and were encouraged by motorists honking their horns. They occupied all inbound and outbound lanes of the Manhattan Bridge while walking across both the upper and lower roadways into Manhattan.

Holding signs, thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Chinatown. Many of them chanted ‘No justice, no peace.’

Massive marches were also seen in the East Village and SoHo.

All indications as of late Wednesday evening are that the New York Police Department has taken a hands-off approach and allowed the protesters to march unimpeded in what have so far been peaceful demonstrations.

In Louisville, authorities said two officers were shot and wounded Wednesday night during the demonstrations expressing anger over the killings of black people at the hands of police.

Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said a suspect was in custody but did not offer details about whether that person was participating in the demonstrations. He says both officers are expected to recover, and one is undergoing surgery.

He says the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection where there was a large crowd.

Demonstrators in Brooklyn raise their fists during a protest outside of Barclays Center on Wednesday

After a rally in front of Barclays Center, the demonstrators marched north on Flatbush Avenue and crossed the Manhattan Bridge into Manhattan

A protester holds a sign that reads 'Breonna Taylor' while lying down on the pavement near Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday

There were hundreds of protesters at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, though the crowd kept growing as the evening went on

Protesters hold signs which read 'Say their Names' and 'Black Lives Matter' near Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday

A man carrying an American flag walks next to demonstrators in Manhattan on Wednesday

Demonstrators hold signs in honor of Breonna Taylor as they march across the Williamsburg Bridge on Wednesday

A large crowd of thousands of demonstrators march in New York City during a protest on Wednesday evening

Protesters marched through Chinatown, SoHo, and the East Village in Manhattan late on Wednesday

Several shots rang out as protesters in downtown Louisville tried to avoid police blockades, moving down an alleyway as officers lobbed pepper balls, according to an Associated Press journalist.

People covered their ears, ran away and frantically looked for places to hide. Police with long guns swarmed the area, then officers in riot gear and military-style vehicles blocked off roadways.

The violence comes after prosecutors said two officers who fired their weapons at Taylor, a black woman, were justified in using force to protect themselves after they faced gunfire from her boyfriend.

The only charges were three counts of wanton endangerment against fired Officer Brett Hankison for shooting into a home next to Taylor's with people inside.

The FBI is still investigating potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid at Taylor's home on March 13.

Authorities in Atlanta deployed tear gas after they said protesters tried to climb on top of a SWAT vehicle during a demonstration

Demonstrators hold up images of Breonna Taylor as they rally in front of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

The crowd of demonstrators was seen marching near the White House on Wednesday evening

Demonstrators stage a rally in front of the Justice Department in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. Some held megaphones as well as pictures of Breonna Taylor

Protesters hold aloft pictures of Taylor while marching along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

A demonstrator raises his fist in anger and chants slogans while marching alongside other protesters in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Protesters chant slogans through megaphones and hold up photos of Breonna Taylor during a march in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Protesters hold up pictures of Breonna Taylor and signs that read 'Black Lives Matter' during a demonstration in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Local reports estimate that some 200 people peacefully demonstrated in the nation's capital on Wednesday

'She did not die in vain,' protesters chanted. 'Her murder is going to be spoken on today and every day, until we get justice.'

Protesters link arms and hold images of Breonna Taylor as they march along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, on Wednesday

Washington, DC, has seen some of the nation's largest protests since the May 25 death of George Floyd

Protesters chant through a megaphone while leading the procession through the streets of the capital on Wednesday

Demonstrators are seen above marching with the Washington Monument in the background on Wednesday

Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor's family, denounced the decision as 'outrageous and offensive,' and protesters shouting, 'No justice, no peace!' immediately marched through the streets.

Scuffles broke out between police and protesters, and some were arrested.

Officers fired flash bangs and a few small fires burned in a square that's been at the center of protests, but it had largely cleared out ahead of a nighttime curfew as demonstrators marched through other parts of downtown Louisville.

Dozens of patrol cars blocked the city´s major thoroughfare and more police arrived after the officer was shot.

Demonstrators also marched in cities like Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

A person holds a sign in remembrance of Breonna Taylor in Oakland, California, on Wednesday

People take to the streets of Oakland to protest the decision not to indict any of the three officers directly for the fatal shooting of Taylor

Protesters hold signs which read 'Abolish the police' and 'Stop killing black people' in Oakland, California, on Wednesday

An organization known as the Next Generation Action Network is seen above leading a protest and march in Dallas on Wednesday

Shena Lee of Dallas displays photos of Breonna Taylor during a Next Generation Action Network protest outside of Dallas Police Headquarters

An estimated 200 people marched through downtown Dallas on Wednesday after gathering at City Hall

Police say they have deployed chemical agents on Atlanta protesters demonstrating against the grand jury’s decision not to indict officers for the fatal shooting of Taylor.

Georgia State Patrol Spokesperson Franka Young has told The Associated Press the chemical agents were fired after 'some unruly protesters' attempted to climb on top of a SWAT vehicle that was stationed in the city.

'They were given orders to get off of the vehicle and when they ignored the orders, the SWAT team was forced to utilize less lethal gas to deter them,' Young said.

Some protesters were also arrested after refusing orders to disperse from roads and to walk on sidewalks, Young said.

It is not clear how many people were arrested. Young said many protesters had followed police orders.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Chicago and various neighborhoods around the city to protest the lack of charges directly connected to Taylor’s shooting death.

About 300 people gathered in Palmer Square Park on Chicago’s northwest side before setting off on a march Wednesday evening, chanting Taylor's name.

Protesters in Chicago demonstrate against the decision by the grand jury as they march down Michigan Avenue near Millennium Park

Protesters in Chicago march down Michigan Avenue holding signs which read 'Stop the war on Black America!'

Chicagoans hold signs which read 'Justice for Breonna' and 'Say her name' during a protest on Wednesday

Authorities put the Illinois National Guard on standby, but all protests in Chicago on Wednesday remained peaceful

Officials in Chicago pleaded with the public to protest peacefully on Wednesday. People are seen above marching in Chicago

A group of about 50 people block the intersection of 79th and Racine during protests in Chicago on Wednesday

The image above shows protesters marching north on Indiana Avenue in Chicago on Wednesday

The march was monitored by police officers on bicycles.

Other demonstrators gathered in downtown's Millennium Park chanting demands for justice as passing motorists on Michigan Avenue honked their horns.

Activist priest the Reverend Michael Pfleger told protesters gathered in the middle of an intersection that they should peacefully let those who represent the status quo know of their unhappiness with the Taylor decision.

'We're here tonight because we do care,' Pfleger said.

'And we're here because we want to say, "We object and we don't accept it. Somebody has to be held accountable".'

Protesters also gathered outside the Chicago Police Department headquarters.

Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home on a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation.

State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, however, said the investigation showed the officers announced themselves before entering.

The warrant used to search her home was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside.

Large crowds gathered in Denver to protest the decision in the Breonna Taylor case on Wednesday

Sheree Barbour holds her fist in the air as people protest the grand jury decision in the Breonna Taylor case in Denver on Wednesday

Protesters in Denver hold signs that read 'I pray for peace but I'm ready for war!!' and 'Stop the war on Black America'

A large crowd of demonstrators initially gathered outside the State Capitol in Denver on Wednesday

Protesters in Denver hold up signs that read 'Breonna Taylor deserves better' and 'A badge is not a license to kill'

The crowd in Denver gathered on Wednesday evening to chant slogans in support of Black Lives Matter

Demonstrators in Denver raise their fists and take a knee to remember Breonna Taylor on Wednesday evening

Protesters in Denver kneel during a Black Lives Matter demonstration to protest the decision in the Breonna Taylor case

Protesters in Denver hold up signs which read 'My skin is not probable cause' and 'So much bulls*** so little poster'

A man wears a smiley face shield as people protest the grand jury decision in the Breonna Taylor case in Denver on Wednesday

People march through downtown Denver chanting slogans and denouncing racial injustice on Wednesday

Along with the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, Taylor's case became a major touchstone for nationwide protests that have drawn attention to entrenched racism and demanded police reform.

Taylor's image has been painted on streets, emblazoned on protest signs and silk-screened on T-shirts worn by celebrities.

Several prominent African American celebrities joined those urging that the officers be charged.

The announcement drew sadness, frustration and anger that the grand jury did not go further.

The wanton endangerment charges each carry a sentence of up to five years.

Morgan Julianna Lee, a high school student in Charlotte, North Carolina, watched the announcement at home.

'It's almost like a slap in the face,' the 15-year-old said by phone. 'If I, as a black woman, ever need justice, I will never get it.'

Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said he authorized a limited deployment of the National Guard.

Police and protesters are facing off in Louisville after a Kentucky grand jury cleared three officers of charges for the shooting death of Breonna Taylor

Beshear also urged Cameron, the state attorney general, to post online all the evidence that could be released without affecting the charges filed.

'Those that are currently feeling frustration, feeling hurt, they deserve to know more,' he said.

The case exposed the wide gulf between public opinion on justice for those who kill black Americans and the laws under which those officers are charged, which regularly favor police and do not often result in steep criminal accusations.

At a news conference, Cameron spoke to that disconnect: 'Criminal law is not meant to respond to every sorrow and grief.'

'But my heart breaks for the loss of Miss Taylor. ... My mother, if something was to happen to me, would find it very hard,' he added, choking up.

But Cameron, who is the state's first black attorney general, said the officers acted in self-defense after Taylor's boyfriend fired at them.

He added that Hankison and the two other officers who entered Taylor's apartment announced themselves before entering - and so did not execute the warrant as 'no knock,' according to the investigation.

The city has since banned such warrants.

'According to Kentucky law, the use of force by (Officers Jonathan) Mattingly and Cosgrove was justified to protect themselves,' he said.

'This justification bars us from pursuing criminal charges in Miss Breonna Taylor's death.'

Cameron said an FBI crime lab determined that Cosgrove fired the bullet that killed Taylor.

Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, opened fire when police burst in, hitting Mattingly.

Police survey an area where two officers were shot in Louisville on Wednesday night amid protest sparked by a a Kentucky grand jury's decision to clear three officers of charges for the shooting death of Breonna Taylor

The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed a shooting at Brooks Street and Broadway at about 8.30pm Wednesday and said the officers were rushed to an area hospital

Sickening moment maskless 'Karen' COUGHS in the face of grocery store customer, then claims she doesn't have to wear a mask because she 'isn't sick'

A woman was captured on camera following a customer through a supermarket as she coughs on her after claiming she does not need a mask because she is not sick. Video of the incident, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter alone, allegedly took place in a Su per Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska according to Twitter user @davenewworld_2. In it, an unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of the customer recording her. Scroll down for video An unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of a woman recording her A woman was captured on camera following a customer as she coughs on her in a supermarket without a mask on claiming she does not need one because she is not sick @chaiteabugz #karen #covid #karens #karensgonewild #karensalert #masks we were just wearing a mask at the store. ¿ o

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