The former police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta is now petitioning to get his old job.
Officer Garrett Rolfe was fired for fatally shooting 27-year-old Brooks, a Black man, who was running away from two white police officers who were attempting to arrest him on June 12th outside of a Wendy’s restaurant. Rolfe was terminated by the city of Atlanta the following day. He claims that he was dismissed “without a proper investigation.”
Rolfe’s attorney, Lance LoRusso, argued to the city’s civil service board on Thursday for Rolfe to be reinstated on the force. Following the shooting, Assistant Police Chief Todd Coyt also stood by Rolfe’s decision on that fateful night, telling the board that he felt Rolfe and Officer Devin Brosnan “were trying to show compassion and did everything they could to calm the situation down.” However, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms called for the man to be fired immediately. LoRusso argued that his client’s rights to due process were “grossly violated.”
Rolfe is still facing murder and aggravated assault charges. Brosnan was also charged with aggravated assault and violating his oath. Both men remain free on bond.
The board has not announced a decision regarding Rolfe’s reinstatement.
