Demonstrations surge in DC after lethal law enforcement confrontation involving a Black conflict mediator
A large crowd amassed outside the Metropolitan Police Department 7th District station in southeast DC, demanding justice for Justin Robinson, a 26-year-old anti-gun violence activist who was fatally shot by police at a McDonald's drive-thru early on September 1. Footage from two body-camera videos, released on Monday evening, documented the incident.
"The Metropolitan Police Department's model of force and training prioritizes de-escalation, proportionality, and reasonableness," Robinson's family attorney Brandon Burrell told CNN on Wednesday. "However, none of these principles were exemplified by the MPD during the incident that tragically took Justin Robinson's life."
Two officers involved in the shooting, Vasco Mateus, a 4-year MPD veteran, and Bryan Gilchrist, who has been with the department for 2.5 years, have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated, according to police.
CNN reached out to the police union representing MPD officers but did not receive an immediate response.
"Whenever there's a loss of life, it's a sad thing for our community, regardless of whether it's a result of an officer-involved shooting, an officer's death, or a community member's death," MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith stated at a press conference on Monday.
The release of the body-camera footage on Monday coincided with a video released by Miami police showing officers pulling Miami Dolphins NFL player Tyreek Hill from his car and detaining him. This incident led to increased scrutiny of law enforcement's use of force, particularly against individuals of color, as the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.
"This was police brutality," said the family attorney
The body-camera footage portrays a chaotic interaction spanning over 10 minutes. At least seven officers, some of whom were of color, surrounded Robinson's vehicle, which had stumbled during the drive-thru following an accident. Officers claimed to have found Robinson unresponsive with a firearm within the vehicle.
The details of the accident and the duration Robinson remained unresponsive before the police arrived remain unclear.
Officer Gilchrist arrived around 5:35 a.m. and called for backup, informing dispatchers about an unconscious man with a gun on his lap, as depicted in the body-camera footage.
As additional officers arrived, Gilchrist discusses tactical approach strategies, stating, "We need deadly coverage and extraction."
When Robinson started moving, officers issued commands for him to keep his hand away from the weapon. Initially, the window was up, and Robinson appeared to roll it down as Gilchrist repeatedly called, "Hands up, hands up."
As they approached with weapons drawn, Robinson reached out the window and attempted to grab one of the officers' firearms, according to MPD. However, the footage is not entirely clear, as Robinson's face has been blurred due to legal requirements, MPD Chief Smith confirmed.
An officer can be heard shouting, "I'll shoot you in the f**king face," but it's unclear which one. Then, Gilchrist and another officer fired multiple shots at Robinson, according to the video.
Although DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services were on the scene and provided immediate care, Robinson succumbed to his injuries.
"Shooting him 10 times was not proportional, and the MPD's actions escalated the situation, resulting in police brutality," Burrell said.
Initially, Robinson's family was hesitant to release the body-camera footage, as they were informed it would be redacted. His sister, Tralicia, told CNN affiliate WUSA that they wanted to watch the video first and then share their story before redactions were made.
On Saturday, Robinson's family attorney consented to release the footage, Smith said.
His aunt, Asia West, told WJLA in an interview on Tuesday that she watched the body-camera footage and cried herself to sleep.
"They treated him like he was nothing. That's a problem. The officers responsible for his death should be held accountable for murder," West told WJLA.
"He always had a smile"
Robinson was a beloved figure in his community, Burrell explained. He worked as a "violence interrupter" with Cure the Streets, a public safety program developed by the District of Columbia's Office of the Attorney General to reduce gun violence.
"He always had a smile," his sister told WUSA. "If you ever saw him and it was time to leave, he would say, 'I love you,' and you would respond with 'I love you more.'
Robinson's family is preparing for his funeral on Thursday and has established a GoFundMe page to cover legal fees, the memorial service, and support for the family. The description highlights Robinson as a "beloved son, brother, friend, and a beacon of hope for many."
The Robinson family strongly believes that their loved one's life was taken unjustly, with Brandon Burrell, their attorney, stating, "Shooting him 10 times was not proportional, and the MPD's actions escalated the situation, resulting in police brutality."
During the protests, the crowd outside the Metropolitan Police Department 7th District station voiced their disagreement, chanting, "Us against cops, justice for Justin."
