Family of woman killed by police to hold memorial service in Johns Creek

The family of Shukri Ali Said, a woman who was shot and killed by police last month in John’s Creek will host an interfaith memorial at 7 p.m. Saturday in Ocee Park, 10900 Buice Rd. in Johns Creek.

Said, 36, who was of Somali heritage, suffered from mental illness.

She allegedly refused orders to drop a knife when two Johns Creek police officers opened fire near Abbots Bridge and Sweet Creek roads

"We thank the community for their outpouring of support for Shukri and her family," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations , which represents the Said family along with The Awad Firm. "Although the family has sought to maintain privacy as they mourn Shukri, they want to give the community a chance to remember Shukri and call for change."

During the interfaith vigil, community leaders and local residents will share their their concerns and condolences. In addition to memorializing Shukri, speakers will discuss relevant issues, including ways that families, communities and law enforcement can properly help people suffering from mental illness.

CAIR launched an app to share critical “know your rights” information and to simplify the process to report hate crimes and bias incidents.

About the Author

Shelia Poole

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.