This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 12, 2020, a tragic incident occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, that would spark widespread outrage and calls for police reform. Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old African American man, was shot in the back by Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe, leading to his death.
According to Atlanta District Attorney Paul Howard, Rolfe had no justification for shooting Brooks as he fled, and aggravated the case by kicking his body as he lay on the ground bleeding. Howard stated that a review of eight video recordings of the incident, from police cameras and bystander phone recordings, and multiple witnesses, showed the officers themselves never displayed fear of danger from Brooks.
Howard also noted that police are forbidden from shooting Tasers at fleeing suspects, and that Rolfe's actions were a clear violation of police procedures. The murder count against Rolfe could bring a sentence of death or life in prison.
Brooks' death ignited a fresh round of angry protests, and forced the resignation of Atlanta's police chief. 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.
Donald Trump called the killing of Brooks 'a terrible situation', but went on to claim officers have 'not been treated fairly' in a Fox News interview. However, the US president's words were met with skepticism by civil liberties group ACLU, who stated that the Republican proposal 'does not respond to the moment'.
