Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said on Saturday that Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields has stepped down following the death of local resident Rayshard Brooks.
Shields, who has served in police for more than 20 years, would continue in another role with the city, while her position as police chief will be temporarily given to Assistant Police Chief Rodney Bryant until a permanent replacement is found.
"[...] because of her desire that Atlanta should be a meaningful model of what reform should look like across this country, Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief so that the city may move forward with urgency in rebuilding the trust so desperately needed throughout our communities", Bottoms said.
She also called for the immediate termination of the two officers involved, as she did not believe that this was a "justified use of deadly force".
Earlier in the day, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation released surveillance footage from outside Wendy's restaurant, where Brooks was shot. The video captured Brooks running away with what appears to be the officer's Taser, before he turns around and points it at the officer.
The GBI is releasing surveillance video showing the exchange between Atlanta Police Officers and Rayshard Brooks from Wendy’s restaurant - Atlanta OIS 6.12.20 https://t.co/dNlBDpXsRp
— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) June 13, 2020
According to the GBA's press release, police responded to a report at around 10.33 pm about a man sleeping in his vehicle in the restaurant's drive-through causing difficulty for other drivers. He failed the sobriety tests and initiated an altercation.
Footage shared online shows Brooks grabbing what law enforcement believe was an officer's Taser and trying to flee. As one of the officers runs to chase him, the camera looses them from sight, but records the sound of three gunshots.
"During a physical struggle with officers, Brooks obtained one of the officer's Tasers and began to flee from the scene. Officers pursued Brooks on foot and during the chase, Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer. The officer fired his weapon, striking Brooks," the press release read.
#RayshardBrooks fatally shot outside #Wendys on University Avenue in Southwest #Atlanta.#DelroyRS pic.twitter.com/Eqm4RUg5CW
— Delroy RS (@DelroyRS) June 13, 2020
Photo and video footage posted on social media shows protesters gathered at the site where Brooks was shot on Saturday, demanding that Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields resign — which she did shortly after. According to local media, there is a whole list of more protests scheduled to take place across the city, including at Police Headquarters.
