U.S. Justice Dept launches policing probe over Breonna Taylor's death

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks about a jury's verdict in the case against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, at the Department of Justice, in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 21, 2021. /AP

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Monday announced the launch of a sweeping Justice Department probe into the practices of the Louisville Police Department.

The probe comes following the March 2020 death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot dead by police during a raid at her home.

This is the second such investigation into a law enforcement agency by the Biden administration in a week.

Garland, said the probe "will assess whether (Louisville Metro Police Department) engages in a pattern or practice of using unreasonable force, including with respect to people involved in peaceful expressive activities."

Last week, the Attorney General announced another probe into the tactics of the police in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd.

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd's neck until his death, was convicted last week of murder and is awaiting sentencing. In Taylor's case however, no one has been charges yet.

(With input from agencies)