This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Atlanta Police Officer Charged with Murder ¶
On June 12, 2020, a tragic incident occurred at a Wendy's fast food restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, where police officer Garrett Rolfe shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, an unarmed black man. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.
According to Atlanta District Attorney Paul Howard, Rolfe had no justification for shooting Brooks as he fled. Howard also stated that Rolfe and fellow officer Devin Brosnan violated multiple police department regulations during the incident.
"We concluded that, at the time that Mr. Brooks was shot, he did not pose an immediate threat of death or serious physical injury to the officers," Howard said.
On June 17, 2020, a warrant was issued for Rolfe's arrest on 11 counts, including felony murder, aggravated assault, and multiple counts of violating police procedures. The murder count could bring a sentence of death or life in prison.
Brosnan, who has agreed to become a witness for the state in the investigation, faces three charges, including aggravated assault.
The charges were announced as Republicans in the US Senate unveiled police reform legislation that focused on better training and disclosure of officers' use of force, but did not weaken legal protections that insulate them from charges of abuse.
