The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia announced today the closure of its investigation into the fatal police shooting of Justin Robinson, 25, which occurred on September 1. Federal prosecutors found "insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt" that the involved officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were criminally liable for Mr. Robinson's death. This finding follows a concerted effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD’s Internal Affairs Division to examine the case, which included assessments of physical evidence, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
According to the official statement, the incident took place after MPD Officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision at the McDonald's located on 2529 Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast D.C. Arriving at the scene, officers discovered Robinson unresponsive at the wheel, with a firearm visible on his lap. As officers planned to disarm him, Robinson awoke and a confrontation ensued, during which he reportedly grabbed one of the officer's guns. During this struggle, officers discharged their weapons, striking Robinson.
The thorough review by federal and local authorities included analysis of body-worn camera footage, nearby video recordings, and MPD reports. The comprehensive inquiry aimed to uncover the events that led to the tragic outcome, where after being shot, officers administered life-saving efforts to Mr. Robinson until D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Service (DCFEMS) personnel took over, ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
The decision not to file charges was made despite the series of events that culminated in a loss of life, with the U.S. Attorney's Office affirming their position on pursuing cases of excessive force. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely," stated the press release. MPD’s Internal Affairs Division remains responsible for the ongoing investigation of all police-involved fatalities in the District.
