The death of Rayshard Brooks, an unarmed Black man killed by a white police officer in Atlanta on Friday, was ruled a homicide by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office.
Brooks was killed by gunshot wounds to the back, which caused blood loss and organ injuries caused by two gunshot wounds.
Garrett Rolfe, the officer who shot Brooks, was fired on Saturday, while another officer-involved, Devin Bronsan, was placed on administrative leave.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, police responded to the Wendy’s following reports that a man was asleep in his vehicle in the drive-thru. After speaking with Brooks, it was revealed that he’d been drinking and as police attempted to place him in handcuffs, a struggle ensues, and Brooks runs away. Both officers chase him with tasers in hand — before Rolfe switches his taser for his gun. She shoots Brooks in the back as he flees.
Brooks died later in the hospital following surgery to try and save his life. His death has reignited protests in Atlanta.