Atlantans speak out on Rayshard Brooks’ shooting

June 13, 2020 - Atlanta - Protestors gather on University Ave near the Atlanta Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by Atlanta police Friday evening during a struggle in a Wendy’s drive-thru line. Steve Schaefer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution

June 13, 2020 - Atlanta - Protestors gather on University Ave near the Atlanta Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by Atlanta police Friday evening during a struggle in a Wendy’s drive-thru line. Steve Schaefer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution

To the family of Rayshard Brooks:

“There are no words strong enough to express how sincerely sorry I am for your loss. I do hope that you will find some comfort in the swift actions that have been taken today and the meaningful reforms that our city will implement on behalf of the countless men and women who have lost their lives across this country.”

— Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta

“There was nothing [that Brooks did] that was deserving of death. … Our message to the world right now, in this moment, is not only are we done dying but we will hold elected officials accountable for their actions and their silence.”

— Rev. James Woodall, state president of the Georgia NAACP

“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.”

— Tweet from Stacey Abrams, founder of Fair Fight and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate

“This is the new ground zero. Another man was taken right at this spot.”

— John Wade, the leader of the demonstration at Atlanta shooting location of Rayshard Brooks

“[This] is a historical reckoning moment for America. … We must be fully committed, not fair-weathered.”

— U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath