On Behalf of Chief Rodney Bryant, City of Atlanta Police Department
As many of you are aware, one of our officers was involved in an officer involved shooting (OIS) Sunday morning (July 25, 2021). Our officer was not physically injured.
Many times, we learn of these incidents through rumors or news stories, both of which can be inaccurate. In an effort to keep you better informed, the Public Affairs Unit quickly released a preliminary statement and sound from Deputy Chief Timothy Peek, regarding this OIS.
Throughout my entire career as a member of the law enforcement community, I’ve learned that building trust among citizens is hard to earn and I know that the members of APD diligently work to respond to the needs of the community. Additionally, I am aware that there are many false narratives being shared on social media that will impact the trust we have worked so hard to build and ultimately have an impact on you.
I am reaching out to the members of the Department, to remind you that we are a resilient group of men and women committed to our pledge and our oath.
As tragic as this incident is, it’s clear that members of the APD responded with rapid intervention during an active shooter situation. It is my belief that the actions of our officers reduced the potential for further harm.
On Sunday, July 25, 2021, an Atlanta Police Department officer was involved in a shooting. The officer’s weapon was discharged in response to individuals actively shooting while in a large gathering. At this writing, it is unknown who shot whom. The summary is below.
Later that day, APD learned that individuals in the community immediately began to spread a narrative on the shooting that is absent findings from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Some individuals are attempting to stir up factions in the community with a false narrative about APD officers and our agency. Speaking on incidents without all the facts, and without the investigation results, is irresponsible. Stoking division and more police vs citizen sentiment shows a lack of regard for the safety and wellbeing of this city. This behavior does not serve anyone but the individuals who feed off the anger and purported distrust. Anytime there is an officer involved shooting (OIS), we are all concerned. We automatically follow OIS protocol and contact the GBI for an investigation. We are equally concerned when individuals choose to pick up guns to resolve disputes. We see reckless gun violence far too often between individuals who make debilitating life changing decisions when angry.
We want the community to know that this shooting, like all officer involved shootings, will be investigated by the GBI and the results will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney for review. It would be in everyone’s best interest to wait on the facts, and the investigation results from the GBI. The men and women of APD are called to respond to dangerous situations each day, they put their lives on the line in situations that never make the news, and they successfully deescalate potentially violent incidents daily. Having to discharge a weapon is not something officers wake up and just decide to do. Each incident must be reviewed based on the circumstances, evidence, and the law. We trust the GBI will do a thorough review and we will accept their findings regardless of the outcome.
Summary of incident
On Sunday, July 25, 2021, at around 1:05 a.m. Atlanta Police were patrolling around 820 James Jackson Parkway NW due to a large reunion gathering estimated to be approximately 1000 people.
The preliminary investigation indicates officers were monitoring the area as people left when an APD officer encountered individuals actively firing weapons while in the remaining crowd. The officer engaged the individuals and fired several shots in response to their gunfire. At this time, it is unknown, who shot who- but two people sustained gunshot wounds and at least two firearms were recovered from the scene. One was transported to the hospital in stable condition and the second was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer was not injured.
In keeping with normal procedure, the GBI was called and will conduct the investigation. Deputy Chief Timothy Peek spoke to the media on scene. The link is here:
Please keep in mind that this information is preliminary and may change as the investigation progresses.
