Charges Dropped Against Atlanta Officers Who Shot and Killed Rayshard Brooks

Georgia special prosecutor announced Tuesday that the two Atlanta officers who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks would have their murder and assault charges dismissed, citing that the officers’ use of force was reasonable and they did not act with criminal intent.

“Both acted as reasonable officers would under the facts and circumstances of the events of that night,” special prosecutor Peter Skandalakis said. “Both acted in accordance with well-established law and were justified in the use of force regarding the situation.”

The announcement comes more than two years after Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, was shot and killed during a confrontation outside a Wendy’s fast-food restaurant.

Police say on the night of June 12, 2020, Brooks fell asleep in the Wendy’s drive-thru. When police responded, they tried to arrest him for DIU, but a struggle ensued. During the confrontation, Brooks fought with officers Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan, took a Taser from Brosnan, and then ran away, prosecutors said. Brooks then turned around, pointed the stolen Taser and fired at Rolfe, who shot Brooks twice– killing him.

The shooting sparked national protests as it occurred less than three weeks after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.