Public comments call for accountability in Taylor Lowery police shooting as council holds executive session on active litigation

During public comment at the May 20 Topeka City Council meeting, Danielle Twimlow addressed the council about the Oct. 13, 2022, shooting death of Taylor Lowery and called for accountability, transparency and changes to police practices.

Twimlow described the family's attempts to obtain information and said a judge ordered body‑camera footage released after litigation. She urged council members to view the footage and to pursue reforms that would prevent similar outcomes when officers are called to assist people in mental distress. Her remarks included personal and graphic description of the encounter; she said she hoped the council would "show the community that you want to move forward with creating true peacekeeping together." (Quote attributed to Danielle Twimlow as spoken during public comment.)

Later in the meeting, the city attorney read a motion to recess into executive session for up to 45 minutes to discuss current cases in active litigation that are privileged under the attorney‑client privilege as allowed under K.S.A. 75‑4319(b)(2). The attorney said the session would include City Attorney Amanda Stanley and other staff as necessary. Councilwoman Hiller moved the executive session; Councilman Duncan seconded. The council recessed; upon return the mayor said the council had concluded discussions in executive session and that no action had been taken.

The public comment and the executive‑session motion were separate items on the meeting; the council did not record any public-action outcome related to the Lowery matter at the May 20 open meeting.