27-Year-Old Black Man Killed By Atlanta Police After Being Found Asleep In His Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29kj9uQtCUM

UPDATE 4:40 P.M. PST: The Atlanta Police Chief has now stepped down.

Erika Shields is resigning from her role as Chief of Police less than 24 hours after the death of Rayshard Brooks. Mayor Bottoms announced Shields’ decision on Saturday in a press conference, adding that she will remain with the city in a role which has yet to be determined.

In a statement, Erika said:

“Out of a deep and abiding love for this City and this department, I offered to step aside as police chief. APD has my full support, and Mayor Bottoms has my support on the future direction of this department. I have faith in the Mayor, and it is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by Atlanta police officers on Friday night after they found him sleeping in a parked car at a Wendy’s drive-thru.

A statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations says that police were called to the scene after 10:30 p.m. because Brooks’ car was blocking other drivers. After he failed a field sobriety test, officers attempted to arrest him.

Investigators say Brooks “resisted” arrest and “a struggle ensued” between him and the other officers, during which time an officer deployed a Taser:

“Witnesses report that during the struggle the male subject grabbed and was in possession of the Taser. It has also been reported that the male subject was shot by an officer in the struggle over the Taser.”

Video footage (above) captured at the scene shows Brooks engaged in a physical struggle with the two officers while on the ground. He appears to grab a Taser from one, breaks free, and runs out of the frame.

An officer, holding what appears to be another Taser, chases after him, followed by a second officer. The sound of three gunshots being fired can be heard.

So absolutely horrible and upsetting.

Brooks was taken to a local hospital, where he passed away after surgery. One APD officer was treated for a sustained injury during the incident, and was later discharged from the hospital. Atlanta police have yet to issue a comment after the incident.

On Saturday morning, the GBI positively identified Brooks via an update to their earlier statement, and shared via Twitter that they were aware of witness-captured video footage:

“The GBI is aware that there is video posted on social media captured by witnesses in this incident. We are reviewing the video & the early investigative information in this case. We’ll provide an update as soon as we can.”

Stacey Abrams, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate and House Minority Leader commented on Twitter:

“The killing of #RayshardBrooks in Atlanta last night demands we severely restrict the use of deadly force. Yes, investigations must be called for — but so too should accountability. Sleeping in a drive-thru must not end in death.”

His death comes after global protests over police brutality which have turned violent, including many in Atlanta. At the beginning of the month, six APD officers were charged with use of excessive force during one protest. Two of the officers have since been fired by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

We’re sending our love to Rayshard’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.