A former Atlanta police officer, Devin Brosnan, who faced charges in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks. He is now suing the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 623 for allegedly failing to cover his legal fees, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Although charges against Brosnan were dropped in 2022, he asserts he was compelled to fork over $250,000 for his defense with the understanding that the union would cover such costs if the incident happened while on duty.
Brosnan's gripe hinges on an alleged promise from the union that members would be backed financially in legal battles stemming from their work as officers however this pledge now appears tenuous, as Brosnan claims repeated attempts to secure union-funded legal support went ignored - escalating to a direct comparison with the immediate representation and financial aid granted to his colleague Garrett Rolfe, as detailed in his legal action highlighted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The legal dispute traces back to June 12, 2020, when Brooks was fatally shot by Rolfe after a struggle in which Brooks seized a Taser and attempted to flee, prompting Rolfe to discharge his firearm, striking Brooks twice in the back. The incident, ensuing protests, and subsequent resignation of Atlanta’s Police Chief Erika Shields marked an event of national attention and debate. Rolfe, also now involved in litigation regarding the case, currently remains an APD officer, as FOX 5 Atlanta notes.
The lawsuit by Brosnan seeks not only reimbursement but also interest and additional finances for attorney's fees from the union - which reportedly covered Rolfe's legal expenses but denied Brosnan's request made in June 2021, nearly a year after the shooting according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For Brosnan, this legal entanglement comes after an ordeal wherein upon being charged, his personal information publicly circulated, allegedly endangering his life and forcing him into hiding for safety.
This unfolding story reveals deeper discord within the threads of support that bind police officers and the institutions designed to protect them. As Brosnan awaits the court's decision, ADA spokeswoman declined to provide statements regarding pending litigation related to the union's obligations and Brosnan's claims.
