Racism in the United States: Atlanta police chief resigns

Erika Shields, the outgoing chief of police for Atlanta, came to meet anti-racist protesters following the death of George Floyd. Elijah Nouvelage / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via

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While protests against racism and police violence continue in the United States, three weeks after the death of Georges Floyd, another incident in Atlanta, prompted the police chief to resign.

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With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

Less than 24 hours after a black man was shot by police, in Atlanta, Erika Shields decided to step down. The announcement was made this Saturday evening by the city's mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, who also announced the immediate dismissal of the agent who opened fire.

The facts took place Friday evening when a patrol was called in the parking lot of a restaurant where a sleeping man at the wheel was blocking the passage. The man, a 27-year-old African American, had to undergo a blood alcohol test. An altercation then broke out when the agents wanted to arrest him. One police officer opened fire as Rayshard Brooks attempted to flee. He died from his injuries in the hospital.

Videos of the incident were recovered by the Georgia Investigation Bureau. For the mayor of Atlanta, there is no doubt that there was a blunder: "  I do not believe that the situation justifies the use of lethal force and I decided to immediately dismiss the officer concerned.  "

â–ş Listen: America in crisis

Meet anti-racist protesters

The death of Rayshard Brooks has sparked new protests in a city that has already faced protests since the death of Georges Floyd on May 25.

The chief of police was notably noticed by going to meet the demonstrators to discuss, telling them that she understood their anger and shared their feeling on the need for reforms. If Erika Shields has resigned from the police force, she should nevertheless be appointed to another post, said the mayor, the democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Atlanta Police Officers kneel in solidarity with protesters in downtown Atlanta. #OneAtlanta 🎥: @ astridtv1 pic.twitter.com/5TJ8AxsKDH

  City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) June 1, 2020

â–ş Read also: The economic and social roots of the anger of black Americans

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  • United States
  • Racism

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