Investigators finish probe into Rayshard Brooks' shooting
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has completed its probe into the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, more than three months after the Black man was fatally shot by a white officer outside a fast food restaurant in Atlanta
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has completed its probe into the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks more than three months after the Black man was fatally shot by a white officer outside a fast-food restaurant in Atlanta.
Agency spokesperson Nelly Miles confirmed to news outlets Monday that the findings from the investigation have been turned over to the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard
Howard has already announced a felony murder charge against Garrett Rolfe, the officer who shot Rayshard Brooks on June 12 after Brooks grabbed a Taser during a struggle and ran, firing it at Rolfe. Another officer who was at the scene outside a Wendy's restaurant, Devin Brosnan, was charged with aggravated assault and violation of his oath.
Their lawyers have previously said their client’s actions were justified.
“We encourage Paul Howard to release the full GBI report immediately so that the findings of this independent investigation will available to the public,” Rolfe’s attorney, Noah Pines, said in a statement reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Some have accused Howard of rushing charges against the officers for political gain while others have applauded his quick action. He was defeated in the Democratic primary runoff last month by Fani Willis, his former deputy who faces no Republican opposition in the race for Howard's seat.
“This case and all others must be handled according to the facts and the law,” Willis said in a statement. “That is how I will handle every matter that comes before me as District Attorney.”
The GBI's findings have not been made available to the public. The agency said in a tweet after Howard announced the charges in June that they were not consulted on the charges.
Brooks' death had sparked renewed demonstrations in Atlanta after turbulent protests in the city and around the nation over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.