#271 - Sgt. John Mattingly: Breonna Taylor, The RAID, & The Aftermath

May 22, 2025

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What really happened the night of the Breonna Taylor raid? In this episode, retired Louisville Sergeant John Mattingly shares his firsthand experience from the 2020 police operation that became a national flashpoint. Shot in the leg during the raid that left Breonna Taylor dead, Mattingly takes us beyond the headlines and social media narratives. From his upbringing in Portland, Louisville, to the pivotal moments that led him to a 20-year career in law enforcement, Mattingly recounts the intensity of working narcotics, shifting street dynamics, and the mental toll of policing a city on edge. We go deep into the night of the raid, what the warrant said, how entry unfolded, and the seconds before the first shot. Mattingly discusses the aftermath: public outrage, personal trauma, and even a $50,000 bounty placed on officers’ heads. He also reflects on the broader failures of law enforcement training, public perception, and media framing.

Guest bio: John Mattingly is a retired Louisville Metro Police Sergeant with over 20 years in law enforcement, including high-risk narcotics work and undercover ops. He is the author of 12 Seconds in the Dark, his firsthand account of the Breonna Taylor raid.

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JOHN MATTINGLY LINKS:

12 Seconds In The Dark: https://bit.ly/3H2dYQ3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgtmattingly/

Website: https://johnmattingly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sgt-Mattingly

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