According to an autopsy done by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, it has been determined that the death of Rayshard Brooks, the unarmed Black male who died from two gunshots to the back, has been ruled a homicide
Last Friday, social media and digital news trended for the first time not about George Floyd, but instead about another Black man. Unfortunately, the story, while different in terms of the cause of death, still ended the same way. It was reported that Brooks fell asleep in his car in the parking lot of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta much to the dismay of an employee who then called the police.
Two officers arrived — Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan. After a physical altercation, it was determined that Brooks was resisting arrest, this was after he admitted to having a few drinks. One officer admonished his taser to which Brooks began to run. It was at this point, he was shot and killed by Rolfe.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms had just made an appearance a few weeks ago at the beginning of the protests about how different Atlanta was in terms of its historical relevance and strides towards racial equality — stern in her tone, she chastised the community telling them not to riot and loot. In retaliation of Brooks’ murder, the Wendy’s has been set on fire. Authorities are still looking for the arsonist.
Former Atlanta police chief Erika Shields has resigned — she’s been replaced by Deputy Chief Rodney Bryant.
Rolfe has been fired but no charges have been filed. His partner, Brosnan, has been placed on administrative duty.
Several videos have emerged including body cam footage of the incident.
However, one question remains, if the police can escort Dylan Roof to Burger King after committing mass murder in a church, why couldn’t they have simply given Rayshard Brooks a ride home?
This is what activist Tamika Mallory’s been asking. We would like to know as well.