The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia has closed its investigation into the fatal police shooting of 44-year-old D.W., stating there was insufficient evidence to bring federal criminal civil rights or local charges against the Metropolitan Police Department officers involved. The shooting occurred on January 13 after officers responded to a 911 call and found D.W. near an elevator, initially brandishing a handgun and later attempting to walk away with the weapon in his pocket. When officers tried to apprehend him, D.W. retrieved the gun, leading to a struggle and the shooting, as the U.S. Attorney's Office reported.
The investigation included law enforcement and civilian accounts, security and body-worn camera footage, and forensic evidence. Federal prosecutors concluded there was not enough evidence to prove the officers willfully violated D.W.’s rights.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office regularly reviews cases of police-involved fatalities to determine whether federal civil rights laws or local laws were violated. The Office reaffirmed its commitment to fully investigating serious civil rights allegations. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police Department's Internal Affairs Division also investigates all police-involved fatalities within the District of Columbia.
