ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed that Officer Garrett Rolfe, the officer previously at the center of the controversial 2020 fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, has been placed on administrative leave after being involved in a physical altercation outside a Midtown Atlanta nightclub.
What Happened
According to police, Rolfe, who was off duty at the time, was involved in a verbal and physical dispute with another man, identified as Raefeael Penrice, outside X Midtown, a popular nightlife venue located on Piedmont Avenue. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Investigators say the verbal confrontation escalated into a physical altercation. Penrice was arrested at the scene and charged with simple battery and battery. He was booked into Fulton County Jail. At this time, Officer Rolfe has not been charged, but APD has placed him on administrative leave pending an internal investigation by the Office of Professional Standards.
It remains unclear whether Rolfe was working a private security detail or was at the club in a personal capacity as a patron.
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Who Is Garrett Rolfe?
Garrett Rolfe first drew national attention in June 2020 following the fatal police shooting of Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, outside a Wendy’s restaurant on University Avenue in southeast Atlanta.
Police were called to the scene for reports of a man asleep in his vehicle in the drive-thru lane. Officers, including Rolfe, attempted to arrest Brooks for suspected DUI. A struggle ensued, during which Brooks reportedly grabbed an officer’s Taser and attempted to flee, firing it in Rolfe’s direction as he ran away. Rolfe fired his weapon, fatally striking Brooks. The incident was captured on dashcam and surveillance footage and quickly ignited outrage.
The killing occurred just weeks after the murder of George Floyd and fueled further national protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The Wendy’s restaurant where the shooting occurred was later set on fire during demonstrations.
Rolfe was fired from APD, arrested, and charged with 11 criminal counts, including felony murder. His termination was later overturned, and he was reinstated to the Atlanta Police Department in May 2021, though he remained on administrative leave pending legal proceedings.
In August 2022, all criminal charges against Rolfe were dropped. A special prosecutor appointed by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr concluded that the officer’s use of deadly force was legally justified under state law.
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Ongoing Scrutiny
Rolfe’s involvement in a public altercation has reignited public scrutiny and sparked concern from civil rights advocates who had already questioned his return to law enforcement following the high-profile shooting.
While Penrice was the only individual arrested in this latest incident, the Atlanta Police Department emphasized that the situation is under investigation. The Office of Professional Standards will determine whether Rolfe’s conduct violated department policies or expectations of off-duty behavior.
Community members and leaders are again calling for transparency and accountability as APD navigates yet another controversial episode involving the officer.
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The Larger Impact
The shooting of Rayshard Brooks in 2020 had deep ramifications for the city of Atlanta. Then-Police Chief Erika Shields resigned shortly after the incident, and the city experienced multiple nights of protests, leading to a broader conversation about the role of policing, the use of deadly force, and the need for reform in the criminal justice system.
Now, with Officer Rolfe back in the headlines—this time connected to an altercation outside a popular nightclub—the past is colliding with the present in a city still grappling with the effects of that painful chapter.
As the investigation unfolds, the public continues to watch closely, awaiting answers and accountability.