kali9/iStockBy MARK OSBORNE and JOSH HOYOS, ABC NEWS
(ATLANTA) — Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields has resigned, according to city Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Shields had served in the position since December 2016. Shields will continue with the department in a role to be determined.
“It has become abundantly clear that over the last couple weeks in Atlanta is that while we have a police force full of men and women who work alongside our communities with honor respect and dignity,” Bottoms said in a statement. “There has been a disconnect with what our expectations are, and should be as it relates to interactions with our officers and the communities in which they are entrusted to protect.
“Chief Erica Shields has been a solid member of APD for over two decades, and has a deep and abiding love for the people of Atlanta,” she continued. “And because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should look like across this country Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as Police Chief so that the city may move forward with urgency and rebuilding the trust so desperately needed throughout our communities.”
Former Assistant Police Chief Rodney Bryant will serve as interim police chief as the city immediately launch a national search for new leadership to repair trust within the community.
The move comes just hours after a man, identified as Rayshard Brooks, was shot and killed by police at a Wendy’s drive-thru after police said he pointed a Taser at an officer while running away from law enforcement.
“I firmly believe that there is a clear distinction between what you can do and what you should do,” Bottoms said in a press conference regarding the officer’s actions. “I do not believe this was a justified use of deadly force.”
Shields had called for the officer’s immediate termination and said the other officer involved has been placed on administrative duty.
Bottoms expressed condolences to the family of Brooks.
The Atlanta Police Department continues to terrorize protestors and murder unarmed Black bodies,” the NAACP said in a statement. “It’s time for new leadership and a change of policing culture. Stand with us and call for her immediate resignation.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
ABC News’ J. Gabriel Ware contributed to this report.
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