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Atlanta, GA — This afternoon, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., met with a large contingent of media to announce whether he would be pursuing charges against the two police officers involved in the Rayshard Brooks death. And what happened next was nothing short of one of the most explosive — and detailed — press conferences in recent memory.
“We have decided to issue warrants in this case,” stated Howard regarding arrest warrants for both officers.
However, this was probably the lightest part of the press conference, as many details left the room aghast. Howard then announced that former police officer, Garrett Rolfe, was facing 11 charges, including felony murder. The felony murder charge carries a life sentence without parole or the death penalty. Rolfe was also being charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault, violating his oath as a public offender. The second officer, Devin Brosnan, is facing three charges, which include aggravated assault violating his oath office.
After announcing the charges, things got even more eye-opening, if not shocking. Howard then said something that left the room floored: “After Mr. Brooks was shot, for a period of two minutes and 12 seconds, there was no medical attention applied to Mr. Brooks. But when we examined the tape, and after speaking with witnesses, what we discovered is that Mr. Rolfe actually kicked Mr. Brooks, while he laid on the ground fighting for his life. Secondly, we were able to see that Officer Brosnan actually stood on Mr. Brooks’ shoulder while he was struggling for his life.”
Talk about a mind-jarring account of that night. But, that wasn’t the most surprising thing that transpired at the press conference. Brosnan has agreed to testify against Rolfe and has become a state’s witness, according to Howard. But almost immediately after the press conference, Brosnan’s attorney vehemently denied that he had decided to be a state’s witness.
“To be clear – Devin is cooperating with the Fulton County District Attorney’s investigation. He met with the assistant district attorney and investigator yesterday and answered their questions. He turned over his phone. He is in the process of providing medical records and photographs of his injuries. He has NOT agreed to be a “state’s witness” or to testify in any court hearing or to plead guilty to any charge,” Brosnan’s attorney said.
One would surmise that Brosnan got a lot of pushback from fellow officers after hearing Howard’s announcement.
After the press conference ended, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms released a statement:
“It is my hope that justice will be served — not only for the family of Mr. Brooks, but for the victims and families of the other use of force cases waiting to be resolved by the District Attorney. My condolences and prayers remain with the family of Mr. Brooks, as well as the other families awaiting justice.”
Both officers are expected to turn themselves in tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more from this case.
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