Atlanta police chief resigned Saturday, June 13, after a police officer fatally injured a suspect in an attempted arrest, and demonstrations broke out to protest the death of the African American victim 27 years old.
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Protesters blocked a highway and torched Wendy's fast food restaurant near which Rayshard Brooks was shot dead in a confrontation with police, local media reported.
Wendy's restaurant was burned down. ELIJAH NEWS / REUTERS
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, whose name was put forward as a possible running mate for Democrat Joe Biden for the November presidential election, has announced the resignation of Erika Shields, who has led Atlanta police for more 20 years old.
" Because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should be nationwide, Erika Shields has presented her immediate resignation as chief of police, " said the mayor in television statements.
Car chase
The facts occurred Friday evening in Atlanta, capital of the state of Georgia. They come after numerous protests against police violence and racism have been taking place in the United States and other countries for weeks following the death of George Floyd, an African-American who was asphyxiated by a police officer. in Minneapolis, in the northern United States.
Several people were arrested during a demonstration in Atlanta. ELIJAH NEWS / REUTERS
Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old black man, fell asleep in his car on the driveway of Wendy's restaurant, and facility staff called the police because his vehicle was reported in an official report. blocked customers.
The man was intoxicated and resisted when the police wanted to arrest him, says the Georgia Bureau of Investigation report. Video surveillance footage shows that " during a physical fight with the officers, Brooks grabbed one of the officers' taser and fled, " the report said. “ The officers chased Brooks on foot and during the chase Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer. The officer used his weapon, hitting Brooks, "said the document.
Brooks was transported to a hospital and had surgery, but died soon after, the report said, adding that an officer was injured. The mayor said that the officer who had fired the fatal shot should be removed.
