On Friday night, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting in Atlanta.
The incident, which took place in a Wendy’s drive-thru line, happened as protests continue to take place across the country following the death of George Floyd late last month in Minneapolis.
On Saturday evening, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a news conference that she did not believe Friday’s shooting “was a justified use of deadly force and have a call for the immediate termination of the officer.”
Bottoms also announced Chief Erika Shields is stepping aside and the city will launch a search for her replacement.
» Atlanta protests: Live updates from response to Rayshard Brooks shooting
In the last couple weeks, prominent Atlantans have been a large part of the national dialogue about racism and police violence, including Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, whose May 29 press conference drew nationwide attention. She was then joined by Atlanta hip-hop stars T.I. and Killer Mike.
But on Saturday morning, as people began reacting to Friday’s deadly shooting, both on the ground and on social media, it was Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty who was among the first to post about Brooks’ death.
ATLANTA PD SHOT AND KILLED AN UNARMED BLACK MAN LAST NIGHT.
— comeback season boat (@lilyachty) June 13, 2020
The Rev. Bernice King also posted an initial reaction on Twitter, asking "why were the police even called?" to the scene. Later in the day on Saturday, King added "Bottom line: #RayshardBrooks should be alive. His death reflects that low to no value was placed on his life."
Bottom line: #RayshardBrooks should be alive. His death reflects that low to no value was placed on his life. Rayshard’s life shouldn’t have even been endangered by a call to police because he was sleeping in his car in a drive thru. I’m learning more and talking with community.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) June 13, 2020
“officers responded to a Wendy's restaurant on University Avenue after receiving a complaint that Brooks was asleep in a parked car in the drive-thru”
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) June 13, 2020
One of my first thoughts: Why were the police even called? What responsibility do we have to each other? https://t.co/6dmVHNAGvt
Former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said Brooks’ death “demands we severely restrict the use of deadly force.”
The killing of #RayshardBrooks in Atlanta last night demands we severely restrict the use of deadly force. Yes, investigations must be called for - but so too should accountability.
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) June 13, 2020
Sleeping in a drive-thru must not end in death. https://t.co/LKsiwA48Ll
A taser is not a deadly weapon. A gun is.
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) June 13, 2020
Adrenaline and irritation are not the same as mortal fear.
Running away should not be punishable by death.
Public safety must mean the public is safe. All of us.#BlackLivesMatter #AtlantaShooting #RayshardBrooks
As messages were posted on social media, a crowd of protesters gathered at the Wendy’s on University Avenue.
“This is the new ground zero,” said John Wade, a leader of the demonstration at the Wendy’s on University Avenue where Brooks was killed. “Another man was taken right at this spot.”
Local and state elected officials also weighed in on social media:
At the @Atlanta_Police Department’s request, @GBI_GA launched an investigation into the conduct of two APD officers that led to the death of #RayshardBrooks. I am confident GBI Director Vic Reynolds and his team will follow the facts to ensure justice is served. (1/2) https://t.co/Ck1V85qw9I
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) June 13, 2020
Asleep in his car. That's why police were called.
— Jen Jordan (@senatorjen) June 13, 2020
Now he is dead after being shot three times in the back as he was running away. #RayshardBrooks should not be dead. https://t.co/sfKDY4pu1M
So now you can't be black and sleep?
— Dar'shun Kendrick (@DarshunKendrick) June 13, 2020
I give up. I'm so tired. And y'all wonder why folks want to get rid of the police? I don't agree but stories like thus don't help. https://t.co/FqL0QTroB0
Correcting an error in an earlier tweet. Atlanta City Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd on scene says she does not believe the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks was justified. pic.twitter.com/MDwQfCRlf0
— Scott Trubey (@FitzTrubey) June 13, 2020
Stranger Things actor Randy Havens tweeted at the city of Atlanta’s account. Meanwhile, some awaited a statement from city leadership, including former state senator and mayoral candidate Vincent Fort. Mayor Bottoms gave a press conference shortly after 5 p.m.
Stop killing black people.#RayshardBrooks @CityofAtlanta
— Randy Havens (@MrRandyHavens) June 13, 2020
Where is @KeishaBottoms? Doing interviews on CNN or MSNBC? While a black man is being killed by Atlanta cops. We need to hear from mayor #gapol @wsbtv @11AliveNews @cbs46 @FOX5Atlantahttps://t.co/g4qIPGY6B4
— Vincent Fort (@fortforatlanta) June 13, 2020
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