An Atlanta protest organizer was one of two people arrested on arson charges Thursday in connection with the fire at the Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed, authorities said.
Atlanta fire spokesman Sgt. Cortez Stafford confirmed that John Wade, 33, and Chisom Kingston, 23, were taken into custody in connection with the June 13 blaze. Both remain held at the Fulton County Jail, online records show.
Late last month, 29-year-old Natalie White was arrested on arson charges in connection with the blaze. She has since been released on bond.
Wade was one of several people who organized large demonstrations across Atlanta in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police, authorities confirmed.
Credit: Shaddi Abusaid/shaddi.abusaid@ajc.com
Credit: Shaddi Abusaid/shaddi.abusaid@ajc.com
He also organized an impromptu rally outside the Wendy’s on June 13, hours after Brooks was shot by an Atlanta police officer in the restaurant parking lot.
On Wednesday, Atlanta Fire and Rescue released a photo of two men seen standing outside the University Avenue restaurant about the time of the fire.
The Wendy’s was destroyed during a large protest the day after Brooks was killed following an attempted DUI arrest in the drive-thru line. The 27-year-old’s death set off another round of protests against police violence across the city and led to criminal charges against the two officers involved.
Authorities said firefighters may have been able to save the burning restaurant if it weren’t for some protesters who hurled rocks and bricks at crews as they entered the parking lot that night.
According to investigators, the fire was ignited by “multiple suspects” who used aerosol cans and lighters. Several fireworks were also set off inside the restaurant, and some protesters tossed debris into the building before setting it on fire.
RELATED: Ex-APD officer charged in Rayshard Brooks killing released on $500K bond
Credit: J. Scott Trubey
Credit: J. Scott Trubey
When Brooks was questioned by police in the Wendy’s parking lot shortly before he was shot, he could be heard telling officers he had been with a girlfriend whom he identified as “Natalie White.” White’s attorney Drew Findling told AJC.com the two knew each other and had a “close relationship.”
MORE: Arrest in Atlanta Wendy's fire spurs calls for suspect's release
Investigators are still looking to identify additional “persons of interest” in the arson and have offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions in the case. Tipsters are asked to call the Georgia Arson Control Board at 1-800-282-5804 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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