Atlanta

Atlanta mayor lays out first steps of police reform after shooting of man at Wendy’s drive-thru

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms became emotional and teared up on Monday as she talked about the death of Rayshard Brooks and laid out a list of reforms she’s now working on.

Bottoms told Channel 2’s Audrey Washington that the body camera video of the shooting broke her heart as she held a special address at Atlanta City Hall.

“To watch Mr. Brooks on Friday night talking about wanting to go home for his daughter’s birthday, it breaks my heart,” Bottoms said.

Brooks, a 27-year-old father, was shot and killed by an Atlanta police officer, Friday night.

Monday afternoon, Bottoms announced the signing of administrative orders to directly address reforms that relate to use of force, an officer’s response to resistance, de-escalation techniques and a duty to intervene.

The mayor also said that there is a need to take an immediate look at police training policies.

Washington asked Bottoms about the people who held demonstrations and called for justice.

“I am equally mad. I am sad,” Bottoms said. “It didn’t have to end that way. It didn’t have to end that way.”

The officer who shot Brooks has been fired. The Fulton County district attorney said he would have an answer about whether they would file any charges against the officer by midweek.

FULL RAYSHARD BROOKS COVERAGE:

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