Georgia prosecutors have decided not to prosecute two Atlanta police officers who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old black man, in a Wendy’s parking lot in downtown Atlanta in June 2020.
Georgia Special Prosecutor Pete Scandalakis held a press conference on the 23rd and said that he had decided not to charge two police officers, Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan, who were involved in the shooting in which Rayshard Brooks was killed. “Given the circumstances faced by the two officers at the scene, the use of force was reasonable and there was no criminal intent,” he explained.
Brooks’ death occurred in a downtown Wendy’s parking lot. Police attempted to arrest Brooks for driving while intoxicated after a report of someone falling asleep in a drive-thru lane. In the process, a physical fight ensued, and Brooks was shot dead by police.
The incident, which occurred shortly after the death of George Floyd, sparked protests against racism and police brutality in Atlanta. Immediately after the incident, Trooper Rolfe was charged with 11 counts, including murder, and Brosnan was charged with multiple counts.
It is noteworthy how the black community in Atlanta will react to the decision not to prosecute the two white police officers.
Reporter Jia Yoon
