A large crowd of protesters gathered in Southeast D.C. on Wednesday night, demanding justice for Justin Robinson, a well-known violence interrupter who was shot and killed by two D.C. police officers. The fatal incident has sparked outrage in the community, leading to a demonstration that shut down streets, including Alabama Avenue.
The protest began around 7:30 p.m. with a small group of about a dozen people but quickly grew to over 100 as word spread. Demonstrators marched from the 7th District police station to a McDonald’s on Marion Barry Avenue, the site where Robinson was fatally shot over a week ago.
Chants of “No justice, no peace” and “Arrest the officers” echoed through the streets as protesters faced a line of police officers stationed behind barricades. Tensions between the officers and the community ran high, resulting in six arrests during the demonstration, according to D.C. police.
The shooting, which has left the community in shock, was captured on police body camera footage. The footage shows Robinson unconscious in his car after crashing into the McDonald’s. According to police, Robinson allegedly attempted to grab an officer’s gun through the car window before being shot. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.
The release of the footage has only fueled community outrage. Many residents are questioning the officers’ actions, with some expressing disbelief over how the situation was handled.
“It was devastating – they don’t care, they didn’t try to wake him up,” said Chartia Williams, a resident of Ward 8, who echoed the sentiments of many others who feel the officers acted without concern for Robinson’s life.
As the investigation continues, police have promised an increased presence throughout the city, particularly in the 7th District. However, this has done little to ease the concerns of a community still mourning the loss of a figure who was committed to reducing violence in the very neighborhood where he was killed.
The call for justice and accountability remains strong, with many demanding answers and action from city officials as they await the results of the ongoing investigation.