Ex Atlanta Cop Who Fatally Shot Rayshard Brooks Sues Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms & City Over His Firing

Ex Atlanta Cop Who Fatally Shot Rayshard Brooks Sues Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms & City Over His Firing

The former Atlanta police officer that fatally shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, is now suing mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the interim police chief over his firing.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Former officer Garrett Rolfe filed the suit against Keisha Lance Bottoms and interim police chief Rodney Bryant on Tuesday (August 4). His attorneys claim that his use of deadly force against Rayshard Brooks was justified,

“The Petitioner has suffered irreparable injury to his personal and professional reputation as a result of his unlawful dismissal. As a result of the unlawful action of the Respondent, the Petitioner has become a public spectacle and object of ridicule. His unlawful termination was unnecessarily public and has attracted national media attention.”

Garrett Rolfe, a white man, was fired from the Atlanta police department on June 13, one day after Mr. Brooks’s death. The slaying of Mr. Brooks angered many Americans and led to days of protests. The murder also escalated racial tensions and pushed forward the conversation surrounding the murders of unarmed black men and women in America.

Garrett Rolfe was subsequently charged with felony murder among 10 other charges, after pulling the trigger and shooting Rayshard Brooks, a father of four, twice in the back. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison or the death penalty.

The 2nd officer involved, Devin Brosman, reportedly faces three charges, including aggravated assault for standing on Brooks’ shoulder. The other two charges relate to violations of oath for standing on the shoulder and for failing to render timely medical aid. He faces one to 20 years in prison, according to reports.

On June 17, the Fulton County DA commented on the officers after Rayshard Brooks was shot, stating:

“Officer Rolfe actually kicked Mr. Brooks while he laid on the ground, while he was there fighting for his life.”

He also says second officer stood on Brooks’ shoulders. See the clip.

Fulton County DA comments on the officers after #RayshardBrooks was shot: "Officer Rolfe actually kicked Mr. Brooks while he laid on the ground, while he was there fighting for his life." He also says second officer stood on Brooks' shoulders. pic.twitter.com/PW2hlsRh5P

— theJasmineBRAND (@thejasminebrand) June 17, 2020

For reference, on the night of June 12, Rolfe and another officer, Devin Brosnan, responded to a call that 27-year-old Mr. Brooks had fallen asleep in the Wendy’s drive-through lane. After interacting for more than 40 minutes, Rolfe and Brosnan attempted to handcuff Mr. Brooks, who struggled and broke free from their restraint. Mr. Brooks began to run away. After a brief chase, Rolfe fired at Mr. Brooks, shooting him twice in the back.

Officer involved shooting last night in Atlanta, GA (District 5) I grew up in this neighborhood. It’s time to have the conversation! RESISTING arrest, excessive force, & justified shootings? this young man is deceased. #RayshardBrooks #Atlanta #Police #District5 pic.twitter.com/MSogObtUZF

— Angela Stanton King ?? (@theangiestanton) June 13, 2020

What are your thoughts on the officer involved in the murder of Rayshard Brooks suing the city of Atlanta? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.