US: Overnight unrest turns violent in Atlanta, Georgia June 14 /update 2

Event

On Sunday, June 14, Atlanta, Georgia Police Department (APD) reported that more than 36 people were arrested and a Wendy's restaurant was set alight during overnight unrest stemming from the officer-involved death of Rayshard Brooks late Friday evening (local time), June 12. More than 1000 people were reportedly in attendance at the Wendy's restaurant before being dispersed by police. The demonstrators then proceeded to close down Interstate 75, a major highway traversing the city, for part of the evening. Amid the growing unrest, APD chief Erika Shields announced her resignation earlier in the day on Saturday, June 13. One of the officers involved in the incident has since been fired, with the other having been placed on administrative leave.

Further protests and unrest are likely in Atlanta in the near term. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions should also be anticipated.

Context

Police reportedly shot Rayshard Brooks on June 12, after he fell asleep in his vehicle in a drive-thru at an Atlanta Wendy's restaurant. Reports suggest that Brooks resisted arrest after failing a sobriety test. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations has begun an official investigation into the incident. The incident comes amidst weeks of protests and unrest across the United States over racial inequality and police brutality, following the death of George Floyd who was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.

Advice

Individuals in Atlanta are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.