Atlanta

Atlanta police say no massive walkout over charging of officers in Brooks case, despite online rumors

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department reported there has been no massive walkout from several police precincts throughout the city despite online rumors saying otherwise.

The department announced in a statement Wednesday night that there were a higher number of callouts, but the city was covered and in no danger:

“Earlier suggestions that multiple officers from each zone had walked off the job were inaccurate. However, department is experiencing a higher than usual number of call outs with the incoming shift. We have enough resources to maintain operations and remain able to respond to incidents throughout the city.”

The rumors came just hours after Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced charges against two Atlanta police officers in the death of Rayshard Brooks on Friday night.

Howard said his office had taken out warrants for former Officer Garrett Rolfe, who was being charged with 11 counts, including felony murder and aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and violations to his oath of office.

Officer Devin Brosnan is being charged with aggravated assault and two violations of oath of office.

Howard said his office concluded at the time of Brooks’ death, Brooks did not pose a threat to the officers. He said Brooks was running away from the officers when Rolfe shot him in the back two times.

FULL RAYSHARD BROOKS COVERAGE: