Family, community demand answers after Linton Blackwell shooting; council asks agencies to grant family secure access to footage

Dozens of family members and community advocates used public comment at the Dec. 1 Atlanta City Council meeting to demand transparency and accountability after the Oct. 11 shooting of Linton (Linton) Blackwell.

Speakers repeatedly said the victim was shot “17 times in the back” and urged release of full body‑worn camera and surveillance footage, independent investigation and disclosure of the officer’s disciplinary history. Don Evans, the victim’s brother, told the council: “For my brother to be shot 17 times in his back, it don't make no sense at all.” Erica Bountry, the victim’s partner, said: “17 bullets… I say that quietly not because I accept it, but because even saying it out loud feels unreal.” These first‑hand statements anchored much of the public testimony.

In response, council members adopted a resolution formally requesting that the family be granted secure access to view recordings of the incident and instructed the municipal clerk to transmit the request to the mayor’s office, Atlanta Police Department and other relevant authorities. The resolution specified that access should be provided "in a secure and respectful manner, ensuring the dignity of the family and the integrity of any ongoing investigations." (Adopted by voice/roll calls recorded on the Dec. 1 transcript; vote recorded 14–0.)

Separately, the council approved a donation up to $500,000 to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to continue work placing low‑income residents referred through the city’s Housing Help Center into housing; staff explained ULGA holds fiduciary responsibility for existing program funds and has administered earlier tranches. Donnell Woodson, executive director of the Housing Help Center, said the prior funding had been awarded through ULGA and that recent demand had drained grant balances to about $4,200, creating an immediate need for supplemental funds.

Councilmembers and staff asked for timely communication with the family while investigations proceed; the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) was referenced as handling the criminal investigation. Council urged agencies to prioritize transparency within legal constraints and to brief the family on the status of investigative steps and evidence release.