JUSTIN ROBINSON
Washington, D.C. – September 2, 2024
Justin Robinson, a 26-year-old community activist and violence interrupter, was shot and killed by officers from the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on September 1, 2024. Robinson, known for his work in reducing gun violence, was found asleep in his car at a McDonald’s drive-thru, where police allege he had a gun on his lap. The incident has sparked outrage and protests in the city, with many calling for a thorough investigation into Robinson’s death.
According to the MPD, an officer discovered Robinson asleep in his vehicle with a gun on his lap and called for backup. When additional officers arrived, they approached the car with guns drawn. Robinson allegedly rolled his window down and the officers were yelling commands at him. The officers fired multiple shots through the vehicle’s window. Ten of those bullets struck Robinson, who died at the scene.
Robinson’s death has drawn immediate backlash from the community, particularly because of his role as a violence interrupter for "Cure the Streets", a public safety program spearheaded by the D.C. Attorney General’s office. The program, which treats gun violence as a public health crisis, aims to de-escalate conflicts and mediate disputes before they escalate into shootings. Robinson’s commitment to this cause made his death at the hands of law enforcement particularly painful for activists and community members.
The MPD has placed the police officers involved on administrative leave, pending an internal investigation. However, protests have erupted outside the department, with demonstrators demanding transparency and justice for Robinson. Many protesters are calling for an independent investigation into the killing, concerned about the police’s use of deadly force on someone known for working to prevent gun violence.
“Justin was dedicated to saving lives, not taking them,” said one community leader at a protest. “He worked every day to make our streets safer, and the fact that he was killed by the very people who are supposed to protect us is heartbreaking.”
Robinson’s family has also retained legal representation to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The family’s attorney has questioned the officers' actions, particularly their decision to shoot through a car window without attempting non-lethal de-escalation methods.
“There are serious questions about how this situation was handled from the start,” the attorney said. Justin deserved better.
As the investigation continues, Robinson’s death adds to the growing conversation about police use of force and its impact on Black communities. Many in the District are mourning the loss of a young man who dedicated his life to promoting peace and healing in neighborhoods affected by violence.
Justin Robinson’s legacy as a violence interrupter remains at the forefront of the fight for justice, and his community vows to continue his work, even as they grieve the tragic end to his life.
