Bodycam Video Shows Johnny Hollman Tasing Death an Atlanta Deacon

The incident, which occurred on August 10, 2024, involved a confrontation between Hollman and Officer Kiran Kimbrough of the Atlanta Police Department (APD). This article delves into the details of the incident, the aftermath, and its implications for law enforcement policies.

THE INCIDENT: A ROUTINE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TURNED TRAGIC

On the evening of August 10, 2024, Officer Kiran Kimbrough responded to a minor traffic accident at Cunningham Place and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard in southwest Atlanta. The collision involved Johnny Hollman’s truck and another vehicle. According to the bodycam footage, Hollman claimed the other driver struck the side of his truck while he had the green light, while the other driver alleged that Hollman made an improper turn, causing the accident. After reviewing evidence, including traffic camera footage, Officer Kimbrough determined Hollman was at fault.

Kimbrough issued a traffic citation and asked Hollman to sign the ticket. Hollman, however, denied responsibility for the accident and repeatedly refused to sign. Under Georgia law, signing a traffic ticket does not admit guilt but acknowledges receipt of the citation and agreement to appear in court. Despite Officer Kimbrough’s explanations and warnings, Hollman continued to dispute the officer’s decision, requesting a supervisor be called to the scene.

The bodycam video reveals an escalating argument between Hollman and Kimbrough. Kimbrough warned Hollman that refusal to sign the ticket would result in arrest, stating, “You’re going to sign this ticket or I’m going to take you to jail.” When Hollman refused again, Kimbrough attempted to physically arrest him. This led to a brief scuffle, with Hollman resisting and Kimbrough using force to subdue him.

THE USE OF FORCE: TASER DEPLOYMENT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

During the altercation, Hollman cried out that his right arm hurt and that he was unable to breathe, repeating “I can’t breathe” at least 13 times. Officer Kimbrough, struggling to handcuff Hollman, issued several verbal commands for compliance and deployed his Taser in “drive-stun mode”—a method that involves pressing the Taser directly against a person’s body to cause pain compliance without firing projectiles. According to the autopsy report, Hollman’s pre-existing medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and obesity, likely exacerbated his inability to withstand the stress and physical impact of the situation.

The bodycam footage shows Hollman becoming unresponsive shortly after the Taser was used. Officer Kimbrough called for emergency medical services and checked Hollman’s vital signs, noting that he was still breathing but unresponsive. Paramedics arrived approximately 10 minutes later and performed CPR. Hollman was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that night.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Hollman’s death a homicide, citing a combination of the Taser’s effects and his underlying heart disease as contributing factors. This ruling has added fuel to the public outcry over the incident.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICY VIOLATIONS

In the weeks following Hollman’s death, an internal investigation by the Atlanta Police Department found that Officer Kimbrough violated departmental policies during the incident. APD’s procedures require officers to call a supervisor to the scene before arresting someone for refusing to sign a traffic citation. Kimbrough’s failure to do so was a key factor in his termination from the department in October 2024. Kimbrough has since appealed his dismissal, maintaining that he acted within his legal authority and followed proper protocols during the encounter.

In response to the incident, the Atlanta Police Department announced several policy changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Officers are now authorized to write “refusal to sign” on traffic citations instead of making an arrest. Additionally, APD expedited the launch of its civilian response unit, which will handle low-risk calls such as minor traffic accidents, reducing the administrative burden on police officers and minimizing the potential for confrontations.

PUBLIC REACTION AND THE CALL FOR JUSTICE

Hollman’s death has drawn significant attention from the public, community leaders, and advocacy groups. Protests erupted across Atlanta, including a march to City Hall, as demonstrators demanded accountability and justice. Hollman’s family has been vocal in their pursuit of criminal charges against Officer Kimbrough, describing the incident as “senseless murder.”

At a candlelight vigil held at First Iconium Baptist Church, Hollman’s eldest daughter, Arnitra Hollman, spoke emotionally about her father’s character and the impact of his loss on the family. “My daddy should still be here,” she said. “We will not let this be swept under the rug. The public deserves to know the truth.”

The family’s attorney, Mawuli Davis, emphasized the importance of transparency and systemic change. He credited community efforts for pressuring authorities to release the bodycam footage, which he described as a critical step toward accountability. “Deacon Johnny Hollman’s life is already making an impact,” Davis said. “We must continue to advocate for reforms to ensure that no other family suffers a similar tragedy.”

POLICY REFORMS AND THE PATH FORWARD

The release of the bodycam footage has prompted broader discussions about law enforcement practices and the need for reform. In addition to revising traffic citation procedures, the Atlanta Police Department has partnered with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to establish guidelines for the public release of video evidence in cases involving police use of force. These measures aim to balance transparency with the integrity of ongoing investigations.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has also announced the implementation of additional training programs for officers to de-escalate conflicts and address situations involving vulnerable individuals. The APD’s civilian response unit is expected to play a significant role in reducing the risk of similar incidents by handling non-violent, low-risk situations that do not require armed police intervention.

While these policy changes represent progress, many advocates argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed to address systemic issues within law enforcement. Calls for increased accountability, improved officer training, and stronger oversight mechanisms continue to grow as communities demand meaningful change.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE TASING DEATH OF JOHNNY HOLLMAN

The death of Johnny Hollman serves as a tragic reminder of the complex challenges facing law enforcement and the urgent need for accountability and reform. The bodycam footage provides valuable insight into the events leading to Hollman’s death but also raises critical questions about the use of force, officer training, and procedural compliance.

As the Hollman family seeks justice, their fight has brought attention to broader issues of police accountability and the importance of community advocacy. While policy changes have been implemented, the impact of Hollman’s death will likely resonate for years to come as a catalyst for continued efforts to improve policing practices and ensure that every individual’s rights and dignity are respected.

QUIC SUMMARY ON THE TASING DEATH OF JOHNNY HOLLMAN

The tragic death of Johnny Hollman, a 62-year-old deacon from Atlanta, during a routine traffic stop has ignited public outcry and demands for justice. On August 10, 2024, Officer Kiran Kimbrough responded to a minor accident and determined Hollman was at fault. When Hollman refused to sign the ticket, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation. Officer Kimbrough used a Taser in drive-stun mode multiple times, leading Hollman to cry out, “I can’t breathe,” before becoming unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner ruled Hollman’s death a homicide, citing the effects of the Taser combined with his pre-existing health conditions. An internal investigation revealed that Officer Kimbrough violated Atlanta Police Department policy by failing to involve a supervisor before attempting the arrest. Kimbrough was terminated from his position, though he is appealing the decision.

In the wake of this incident, the Atlanta Police Department has implemented policy changes, including allowing officers to mark “refusal to sign” on tickets instead of making arrests. A newly launched civilian response unit will now handle low-risk calls, such as minor traffic accidents, to prevent similar tragedies. Mayor Andre Dickens also announced enhanced de-escalation training for officers to address conflicts more effectively.

The release of the bodycam footage has sparked protests and brought Hollman’s family to the forefront of a movement for police accountability. Advocates and community leaders continue to push for systemic reforms to ensure justice for Hollman and prevent future tragedies. His family remains steadfast in their calls for criminal charges against the officer involved, as they mourn the unnecessary loss of a beloved father and community leader. The case has become a catalyst for broader discussions about law enforcement practices and the urgent need for change.

Bodycam Video Shows Johnny Hollman Tasing Death, Bodycam Videos, Bodycam Footage

Bodycam Video Shows Johnny Hollman Tasing Death, Bodycam Videos, Bodycam Footage

Bodycam Video Shows Johnny Hollman Tasing Death, Bodycam Videos, Bodycam Footage