The Atlanta Police Department released this statement Saturday evening from Police Chief Erika Shields, whose resignation was announced at a news conference by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

"For more than two decades, I have served alongside some of the finest men and women in the Atlanta Police Department. Out of a deep and abiding love for this City and this department, I offered to step aside as police chief. APD has my full support, and Mayor Bottoms has my support on the future direction of this department. I have faith in the Mayor, and it is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve."

» READ MORE: Erika Shields steps aside after 3½ years as APD chief

Keep Reading

The deadly shooting happened at the West Ridge Shopping Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near Lynhurst Drive, police said. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller