Atlanta Remembers Rayshard Brooks on 1st Anniversary of Fatal Police Shooting

The city of Atlanta is paying respects to Rayshard Brooks, who was killed one year ago by a white police officer who was recently reinstated.

On Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of Brooks’ death, a crowd gathered at the former location of the Wendy’s where Brooks, who was Black, was fatally shot by white police officer Garrett Rolfe.

As reported by Fox 5, protestors chanted “No justice, no peace” as they tossed roses over the fence and released balloons at what used to be the fast-food eatery — which was burned down during the protests last summer and was later demolished.

Brooks’ cousin David McDaniel gave a speech where he honored Rayshard on behalf of his family.

“It’s still unreal, but what I can say is the city of Atlanta showed me that we can come stand for something,” McDaniel said.

“People who knew him couldn’t help but love him. He was someone so goofy, bright, and strong,” said another member of Brooks’ family.

On the night of June 12, 2020, authorities arrived at the Wendy’s parking lot and reportedly found Brooks asleep in his car, which was parked in the drive-through.

Rolfe later fatally shot Brooks after authorities said Brooks had seized a Taser from an officer and allegedly fired it as he ran.

Days later, Rolfe was charged with 11 crimes, including felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and violation of oath by a public officer.

Devin Brosnan, another office at the scene and who is white, was charged with aggravated assault and two counts of violation of oath after allegedly standing or stepping on Brooks’ shoulder after he was shot.

While Rolfe was fired, Brosnan was placed on administrative duty.

Per a bond motion filed in July, Rolfe’s attorneys Noah Pines and Bill Thomas said “there is significant evidence that proves [Rolfe] was legally justified in using deadly force” against Brooks, as they claim their client was acting in self-defense.

In May of this year, Rolfe was reinstated by Atlanta’s Civil Service Board after the cop appealed his firing, claiming was not afforded his right to due process.

The board ruled that Rolfe did not receive a 10-day notice of his termination, an act that went against the city’s code.

Shortly after the decision was announced, L. Chris Stewart and Justin Miller, attorneys for the Brooks family, said at a press conference that the family feels “disappointment and confusion.”

“It is disappointing to the family, but what is more important is the questions we have now. We all heard the mayor and the former chief of police come before the world and announce they were firing the officers and justice will come,” Stewart said.

“We find it mind-boggling our elected officials and former chief weren’t aware of the proper procedure to fire an officer.”