Title: Atlanta Demands Justice Following Death of Black Deacon Amidst Traffic Stop
The case of the tragic death of Johnny Hollman Sr., a 62-year-old Black deacon and grandfather, has ignited calls for justice in Atlanta. Hollman died on August 10 after being subjected to a stun gun by an Atlanta police officer during a traffic stop. As the investigation unfolds, pressure grows for the public release of video footage that captured the incident.
Relatives of Hollman, who have already seen the video, firmly believe that the officer involved should face charges of murder. Attorney Mawuli Davis, representing the Hollman family, recently met with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who assured them that the video would be made public once all witnesses had been interviewed.
According to Davis, the release of the video is not a matter of if, but when and how soon it will occur. Although no specific timeline has been provided, speculation suggests that it could be released as early as Thursday. It remains uncertain when a decision on whether to bring charges against the officer, identified as Kiran Kimbrough, will be made, but Davis expects it to take several months.
Kimbrough, who is currently on administrative leave pending the investigation, is represented by attorney Lance LoRusso, who has not provided immediate comments on the matter.
The incident that led to Hollman’s death unfolded after a minor car crash. Hollman, a respected church deacon, was driving back from Bible study when he collided with another vehicle. Disturbingly, it took over an hour for the police to arrive at the scene. Hollman became unresponsive during the arrest process, sparking claims from his family that the use of excessive force resulted in his death.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, Officer Kimbrough deployed a stun gun and handcuffed Hollman after he allegedly became agitated and uncooperative upon receiving a ticket for the accident. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has stated that a physical struggle occurred between Kimbrough and Hollman before the stun gun was used.
Earlier reports had suggested that the altercation began when Hollman refused to sign the citation. However, Davis contradicted this claim, asserting that the video will prove that Hollman eventually agreed to sign, highlighting the erroneous nature of that narrative. Since the incident, the Atlanta Police Department has revised its policy, stating that officers should write refusal to sign on a traffic ticket instead of making arrests.
An autopsy report ruled Hollman’s death as a homicide, with contributing factors such as heart disease. Dr. Melissa Sims-Stanley, the medical examiner, reached this conclusion based on a review of the video and discussions with a GBI investigator. Kimbrough contacted paramedics and raised concerns about Hollman’s condition, stating that he had passed out. He also reported suffering injuries, including a busted lip.
Hollman’s daughter, Arnitra Hollman, recounted a phone call with her father, which lasted over 17 minutes, during which she was able to locate the accident scene. On Monday, she expressed her determination to continue seeking justice for her father.
The tragic incident involving Hollman has deepened the discontent surrounding the Atlanta Police Department, particularly concerning the proposed construction of a public safety training center. Last week, the Atlanta City Council urged the city to release the video footage. While the GBI, responsible for investigating the officer’s actions, has requested that the Atlanta Police Department withhold the video until their inquiry concludes, it is unclear when that will be. Requests for comment from a GBI spokesperson have gone unanswered due to the state holiday.
It is worth noting that Hollman’s truck, which was impounded following his death, contained various items, including nine bags of marijuana, an unknown substance weighing approximately 28 grams, 20 clear bags, a scale, a gun, and personal belongings, according to a police report. Davis dismissed discussions surrounding the drugs as an attempt to tarnish Hollman’s character and divert attention from the officer’s actions, emphasizing that there is no evidence suggesting Kimbrough was aware of the drugs.
The demand for justice in Atlanta intensifies as the public awaits the release of the video capturing the tragic incident involving Johnny Hollman Sr. The outcome of the investigation and a potential indictment will reverberate far beyond this particular case, shaping perceptions of law enforcement within the community and promoting discussions on police reform.
