Protests Heat Up in Atlanta – Interstate Blocked
As protests across the country were beginning to slow down, video of an officer shooting an African American man emerged, reigniting tensions.
On Friday, June 12, 2020, an Atlanta police officer shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, 27. Brooks had allegedly passed out at a Wendy’s drive thru. When police arrived, they suspected Brooks of driving under the influence.
After police attempted to handcuff Brooks, he began resisting arrest. Video of the incident shows that during the scuffle, Brooks took the officer’s Taser, then Brooks began too run away.
An officer at the scene shot and killed Brooks. Atlanta police chief Erika Shields fired the officer for the incident.
Yesterday, new footage of the incident surfaced, reigniting tensions. The protests over Brooks’ killing began last night. Protesters blocked 8 lanes of Interstate 85.
Seven lanes shut down in Atlanta. #AtlantaProtest #RayshardBrooks #BlackLivesMatterATL #NoJusticeNoPeace pic.twitter.com/G2jOxMNLWe
— Sarah Durnesque (@Durnesque) June 14, 2020
Officials are beginning to shut down ramps from the highway to help keep motorists and protesters safe. “University Ave & Pryor Rd….Exit ramps to University from I-75/85 are closed for access,” states a Tweet from AJC WSB Traffic.
TRAVEL ADVISORY: Downtown Connector: Atlanta Protest continue University Ave & Pryor Rd….Exit ramps to University from I-75/85 are closed for access.https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV#ATLTraffic pic.twitter.com/sXVZuTLEk3
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) June 14, 2020