Atlanta mayor lays out first steps of police reform after Rayshard Brooks death

ATLANTA — 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 law enforcement reforms she’s now working on.

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

“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 Garrett Rolfe, who was fired the following day.

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 Fulton County district attorney said he would have an answer about whether his office will file any charges against Rolfe by midweek, the station reported.

Cox Media Group