Three weeks after Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in Minneapolis, Atlanta Police Department Officer Garrett Rolfe shot and killed Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy’s parking lot. Rolfe’s actions sparked protests across Atlanta and fueled existing protests in other cities across the nation. Ultimately, Rolfe was fired and charged with felony murder.
Just a few months later, it appears that not only Rolfe will not be brought to trial, but it also appears that he will get his job back. The Atlanta Civil Service Board has moved to reverse the decision to fire Rolfe. As a result, there is a possibility he could get his job back once criminal charges are sorted out.
“Due to the City’s failure to comply with several provisions of the Code and the information received during witnesses’ testimony, the Board concludes the Appellant was not afforded his right to due process,” the Atlanta Civil Service Board said.
“Therefore, the Board grants the Appeal of Garrett Rolfe and revokes his dismissal as an employee of the APD.”
This decision upset many members of the Brooks family. Brooks’ relatives said they were disappointed that city officials didn’t follow the right procedures when firing Rolfe, leaving the door open for what took place this week.
“We find it mindboggling that our elected officials and the former chief weren’t aware of the proper procedures for firing an officer,” Brooks’ family attorney L. Chris Stewart said.
“[This] is not only a testament to a sustained commitment of enacting violence upon human lives but the lack of leadership and vision we currently have that will prevent further injustices from happening that leave our community grieving and begging for mercy,” Georgia NAACP President Rev. James Woodall added.
