Atlanta Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With Murder

TOPLINE

The Atlanta police officer who killed 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks by shooting him in the back last week has been charged with murder, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced Wednesday.

KEY FACTS

CRITICAL QUOTE

Brooks never displayed any “aggressive behavior” toward officers, Howard said.

KEY BACKGROUND

Protests against police brutality first became widespread following the death of George Floyd on May 25. Many have argued that police could have done a better job with ensuring that the confrontation with Brooks never escalated to the level that it did, and have said there was no need for Rolfe to use lethal force when confronted with a Taser.

TANGENT

Rolfe has previously been the subject of Atlanta Police Department disciplinary investigations, according to records. In six years with the Police Department, Rolfe had 12 incidents reviewed, and on three occasions was subject to disciplinary action. Reuters reports that Rolfe received a written reprimand in October of 2017 for a use-of-force violation involving a firearm. Records also show there was a 2015 incident where Rolfe discharged his weapon, but no action was taken against him.

FURTHER READING

Officer Who Fatally Shot Rayshard Brooks Was Previously Disciplined For Use Of Force With Firearm (Forbes)

Atlanta Police Officer Fired And Wendy’s Set Ablaze After Fatal Shooting Of Rayshard Brooks (Forbes)

Atlanta Police Chief Resigns After Black Man Fatally Shot By Officer At Wendy’s Drive-Thru (Forbes)