Garrett Rolfe, the Atlanta police officer who was fired for shooting and killing Rayshard Brooks has been reinstated.
The decision to give Rolfe’s his job back came after the Atlanta Civil Service Board determined that the city failed “to comply with several provisions of the City Code.”
The Board also stated in their five-page decision, “The Board concludes the appellant was not afforded his right to due process. Therefore, the Board grants the appeal of Garrett Rolfe and revokes his dismissal as an employer of the APD.”
Rolfe’s lawyer, Lance J. LoRusso said that the reversal was “the first step in the total vindication of Officer Garrett Rolfe.” He also argued that Rolfe acted in self-defense after being assaulted by Brooks.
In a press release, LoRusso said, “Officer Rolfe was entitled, both as an officer and a citizen, to respond to Rayshard Brooks’ aggravated assault with deadly force.”
He continued, “Officer Rolfe continues to look forward to the opportunity to prove that his actions were legally justified.”
Rayshard Brooks, 27, was fatally shot by Officer Rolfe for allegedly resisting arrest and for grabbing one of the officer’s tasers. According to reports, Brooks turned the taser on officers before being shot twice in the back.
On June 13th, Rolfe was fired from the Atlanta Police Department and in August he filed a lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and then-interim Police Chief Rodney Bryant.
Garrett Rolfe will remain on administrative leave.