Family and community press Atlanta City Council for answers after man shot 17 times

Dozens of speakers pressed the Atlanta City Council to act after community members said an off‑duty Atlanta Police Department officer, identified in public comments as Gerald Walker, shot Linton Blackwell 17 times.

Veronica Graham, who identified herself as Blackwell’s sister, said the family has not received answers. "He was murdered and shot 17 times," Graham said. "He's still working, being paid. I'm not understanding if you guys have children or anybody up there, if it was to happen to y'all… How come it's not on the news?" (public comment).

Brandon Pink, a community organizer with the Atlanta Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression, called for "accountability and transparency and justice for Linton Blackwell," saying the shooting occurred on Oct. 11, 2025, and that "114 days later, the community still doesn't have any answers." He demanded that the officer be removed from the force and prosecuted if warranted (public comment).

Family members made emotional appeals at the dais. Don Evans, who said he is Blackwell’s brother, asked the council to "help my family" and to get the officer "off the streets," describing persistent trauma and threats his family faces. Jimmy Hill, who identified himself as the father of another person killed by police, cited alleged disciplinary records and urged the council to use its policy and budget authority: "You control the money… You can say we would not allocate funding up to community concern with the Atlanta Police Department," Hill said (public comment).

Speakers linked the case to broader concerns about enforcement and oversight. Dwan Robinson, speaking under yielded time, asked elected officials to exercise their authority, saying repeated disciplinary lapses should not allow officers to remain in positions that put residents at risk. Multiple speakers asked the council to release footage and investigative reports and to explain why the officer remains employed.

Councilmembers did not take an immediate vote on any personnel or disciplinary action during the meeting. Instead, the public comment period concluded and the council moved on to committee reports and legislation. Several speakers said they would continue to press the council and the executive branch for action and transparency.

The family and organizers asked for concrete next steps, including: public release of investigative materials where allowed, disciplinary action consistent with city rules if allegations are sustained, and use of legislative or budgetary tools to restrict officers with repeated violations. Councilmembers acknowledged hearing the comments and directed participants to follow up with individual offices and the mayor’s office for further engagement.

The council did not make a formal, councilwide determination on the allegations during the meeting; the public record contains the comments and the council’s acknowledgement that the concerns were raised in public comment.