Sires' Statement on Rayshard Brooks Killing

Congressman Albio Sires is reacting to another violent incident of a white police officer killing a black man.  On Friday night, 27-year old Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe.  Rolfe was terminated from the force on Saturday.

The incident took place at a drive-thru at a Wendy’s Restaurant.  Video surveillance footage shows Brooks took an officer’s Taser while police were attempting to arrest him.  He then fired the Taser at police as he ran away.  An Atlanta Police spokesman says one of the four officers present at the scene then shot Brooks with his weapon.

The incident sparked a renewal of protests in the city, as people continue to demonstrate against police violence toward African Americans and call for an end to racism.  The Wendy’s where the shooting took place was set on fire by demonstrators, with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms saying she did believe the killing was “a justified use of deadly force” by the now-terminated police officer.

The killing also led Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields to step down.  Shields had been Chief since 2016.

Reacting to Friday’s killing of Brooks, Congressman Sires tweeted on Saturday,  “The shooting of Rayshard Brooks over the weekend is another tragic incident of an African American man killed by police officers. There must be a quick and thorough investigation to determine the facts and accountability of the officers involved.  Congress must also pass the #JusticeInPolicingAct, which I cosponsored. Among the many things this legislation does is prioritize de-escalation in policing practices, preventing situations like the one that led to the death of Mr. Brooks.”

A second officer involved in Brooks’ killing, Devin Brosnan, was placed on administrative duty.  Rolfe had been a member of the Atlanta force since 2013, while Brosnan was hired in 2018.