A vivid, cinematic scene with dramatic, low lighting that highlights the tension in the air. In the foreground, a 26-year-old Black man with a medium brown skin tone, wearing a casual blue hoodie, looks startled and confused, sitting in the driver’s seat of a car at a drive-thru. His eyes convey a mixture of fear and disbelief as he glances towards the approaching police officers. In the background, two white police officers, one with short dark hair and one with buzzed hair, stand with their weapons drawn, their expressions stern and commanding. The surrounding environment features a McDonald's drive-thru illuminated by the glow of neon lights, adding a stark contrast to the darkening evening sky. The mood is tense and somber, encapsulating the gravity of the situation with the word
The tragic shooting of Justin Robinson highlights systemic issues of police accountability in cases of excessive force against Black civilians Image generated by DALL E

Listen to this article

Download Audio

Policing Accountability and Excessive Force in Justin Robinson’s Case

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

Support African Elements at patreon.com/africanelements and hear recent news in a single playlist. Additionally, you can gain early access to ad-free video content.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Justin Robinson, a 26-year-old activist, was shot by MPD officers on September 1, 2024.
The officers escalated the situation instead of providing medical assistance when finding Robinson unresponsive.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office found insufficient evidence to charge the officers involved in the shooting.
Robinson’s family and the community have demanded a civil rights investigation following his death.
The case raises significant concerns regarding police use of excessive force against Black civilians.
The incident highlights ongoing calls for police accountability and reform in America.

Police Brutality: The Tragic Shooting of Justin Robinson

On September 1, 2024, Washington D.C. witnessed another heartbreaking event involving police violence and racial injustice. Justin Robinson, a 26-year-old fighting against gun violence, was killed by the very system he opposed. He was found unresponsive at a McDonald’s drive-thru, and his life ended in a barrage of bullets from two Metropolitan Police officers.

The officers discovered Robinson with a firearm in his lap after responding to a report of a car crash. However, they quickly escalated the situation rather than help him. “Officers immediately called for additional officers to respond to the scene upon observing a firearm in Robinson’s lap,” reported the MPD. This hasty reaction led to a deadly encounter.

As Robinson regained consciousness, he found officers with weapons drawn, surrounding him. The situation worsened. One officer threatened Robinson, exclaiming, “I’ll shoot you in your face,” while pointing a gun inside the vehicle. This approach left no space for calm discussion, forcing Robinson into a dangerous situation.

Excessive Force: A Deadly Outcome

The officers’ actions before Robinson’s death raise questions about their use of force. Instead of trying to help, they aimed their weapons at him. This aggressive stance created a dangerous situation.

Police Use of Force Policies

U.S. Park Police (USPP) Firearms Policy

The USPP’s firearms policy prohibits using a firearm as an impact weapon except to protect an officer or another person from death or serious injury when no other reasonable means of protection is available.

This policy limits the use of deadly force to immediate life-threatening scenarios, reinforcing an emphasis on preserving life.

Shooting into Moving Vehicles

Many police departments still permit officers to shoot at people in moving vehicles, a practice widely considered risky, ineffective, and dangerous to bystanders.

Critics argue it can escalate already volatile situations without significantly reducing threats, exposing both officers and the public to higher risk.

Source:
Investigation U.S. Park Police Officers’ Use of Deadly Force…, Department of the Interior OIG

During the chaos, officers claimed Robinson reached for one of their guns. This disputed allegation led to 11 shots fired at Robinson, ending his life quickly. The number of shots shows the officers' readiness to use deadly force.

Robinson's family's lawyer strongly disagrees with the official story. They argue Robinson's action was a natural reaction to a gun pointed in his face, not an act of aggression. This viewpoint stresses the need for a thorough and fair investigation.

Police Accountability: A System Failing Black Americans

The aftermath of Robinson's death reveals the lack of police accountability in America. Despite the event's disturbing nature, the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C. decided not to pursue charges against the officers. This decision has left Robinson's family and community questioning America's idea of justice.

Black Women Prosecutors' Impact on Police Accountability
1%
Black women among nation's elected prosecutors
8%
Of prosecutors who charged officers in killings
16%
Of prosecutors charging officers in multiple deadly force incidents
This visualization shows the disproportionate impact of Black women prosecutors in charging police officers for deadly force incidents. Source: 2024 Police Violence Report

The decision to not charge the officers highlights the struggle victims of police violence and their families face. The U.S. Attorney's statement about Robinson's hour-long unresponsiveness raises further questions. Why wasn't medical help given first? Why did the situation worsen so quickly?

Unanswered questions fuel the community's anger and demand for justice. Lack of responsibility not only affects this case but is part of a pattern harming Black Americans.

Community Response: Demands for Justice and Transparency

Following Robinson's death, his family and community united to demand justice and openness. On September 6, 2024, a vigil called for all related bodycam footage to be released. Transparency is essential in holding law enforcement accountable.

Police Killings and Mental Health Crises

Data Collection Requirements

In 2024, at least 25 states had official data collection and/or reporting requirements in effect for police use of force.

States Requiring Data Collection

25/50

However, many states do not require their databases to be made publicly accessible. Even when data is public, it is often incomplete.

Incomplete Data & Racial Disparities

New York reported fewer than 30% of all police killings in 2024 because some of the largest agencies did not submit data to the state. Many victims were unarmed, and most unarmed people killed by police were people of color.

This underreporting highlights the gap between actual police violence and official statistics, obscuring the full scope of racial disparities in police killings.

Source:
2024 Police Violence Report, policeviolencereport.org

D.C. police released the full bodycam video on September 9, 2024, but it only intensified community outrage. The footage showed the officers' aggressive actions leading to Robinson's death.

Traffic Stops & Police Killings

Reforming vs. Restricting Traffic Enforcement

In 2024, California Assembly Bill 2773 took effect, requiring police to state the reason for any traffic stop before asking questions—preventing officers from using minor traffic violations as a pretext for unrelated investigations.

Meanwhile, Tennessee enacted a law blocking cities from restricting police traffic enforcement, moving in the opposite direction.

These contrasting state actions illustrate how legislative decisions can either limit or expand policing powers in traffic stops, influencing potential pretextual investigations.

Source:
2024 Police Violence Report, PoliceViolenceReport.org

Police Shootings & Accountability

The U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C. found insufficient evidence to file charges against officers involved in the fatal shooting of Justin Robinson, an anti-gun violence activist. This case highlights the challenges of holding police accountable when officers claim fear for their lives.

In many jurisdictions, legal standards and evidentiary hurdles make it difficult to pursue charges against officers, even in cases where the circumstances raise significant public concern.

Source:
Updated MPD Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting, DC Metropolitan Police Department

Unfazed by the absence of criminal charges, Robinson's family held a press conference at the U.S. Department of Justice on September 16, 2024. Their call for a federal civil rights investigation highlights this case's importance. It's not only about Robinson; it's about challenging systemic racism in law enforcement.

Understanding Police Brutality and Excessive Force

Police brutality occurs when officers use more force than necessary during interactions with citizens. This can include unreasonable physical actions, violence, or verbal threats (Hager & Schwartz, P.A.). Such behavior not only violates legal standards but also damages community trust.

Excessive force is when police apply more force than needed to gain compliance. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, including the use of unnecessary force by police (J. Marsh Law). Officers are expected to use force that matches the threat level they perceive.

In Justin Robinson's situation, the officers' approach raised concerns about excessive force. Instead of offering medical help, they surrounded his car with weapons drawn. This immediate show of force escalated the encounter, leaving little room for a peaceful resolution.

The Importance of Bodycam Footage

Bodycam footage plays a crucial role in holding police accountable. These recordings provide an unbiased view of incidents, helping to ensure fair investigations and trials (Gammill Law). They can reveal exactly what happened, offering clear evidence in cases of alleged misconduct.

In this case, the community's demand for the release of all bodycam footage was essential. When the full video was released, it intensified public concern. The footage showed the aggressive tactics used by the officers, prompting further questions about their conduct.

Moreover, knowing that actions are recorded can encourage both police officers and civilians to act responsibly. Bodycams serve as a tool for transparency, which is vital for building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The Role of Civil Rights Investigations

A civil rights investigation examines whether police departments engage in patterns of misconduct. The Department of Justice conducts these investigations to identify and address persistent problems. They assess if officers routinely violate constitutional rights, such as using excessive force or discriminatory policing (U.S. Department of Justice).

These investigations involve gathering information from the community, interviewing officials, and reviewing police practices. The goal is to uncover any systemic issues that contribute to misconduct. By doing so, they aim to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Justin Robinson's family calling for a federal civil rights investigation highlights the need for a thorough review. They seek not only justice for Justin but also reforms to prevent future tragedies.

Understanding Systemic Racism

Systemic Racism Icon

Systemic Racism: Policies and practices in institutions that disadvantage certain groups. Unlike personal prejudice, it exists within social, economic, and political systems around us. Recognizing this form of racism is key to addressing the root causes of racial inequalities in policing and other areas.

The Need for Medical Assistance Protocols

When police encounter someone in a health emergency, providing medical help should be a priority. Officers are trained to assess situations and call for medical professionals when needed. This approach can save lives and de-escalate potential conflicts.

In the case of Justin Robinson, he had been unresponsive in his car for about an hour (NewsOne). Instead of focusing on his medical condition, officers reacted to the presence of a firearm. Their decision not to prioritize medical aid raises serious concerns about protocol and training.

Ensuring that officers follow proper medical assistance protocols is vital. It can prevent unnecessary confrontations and foster better relationships between police and the communities they serve.

Racial Bias in Policing: A Systemic Problem

The shooting of Justin Robinson is part of a larger issue: racial bias in policing. The excessive use of force against Black civilians remains a problem in America.

Robinson's case shows how quickly encounters between police and Black civilians can escalate, even when medical help is needed. Officers focused on a firearm in the car overlooked Robinson's condition, reflecting deep-rooted biases.

This event brings attention to police training and protocols. How are officers taught to handle unconscious individuals? Why does a gun's presence overshadow medical needs? Answering these questions is crucial to preventing future tragedies.

FAQ

Q: What happened during the incident involving Justin Robinson?
A: On September 1, 2024, Justin Robinson, a 26-year-old activist, was shot by Metropolitan Police Department officers while unresponsive in his car. The officers escalated the situation instead of providing medical assistance, leading to Robinson's death after 11 shots were fired.

Q: Why did the police use excessive force?
A: The police reacted aggressively when they discovered a firearm in Robinson's lap, prioritizing the weapon over his medical condition. Instead of de-escalating the situation, they surrounded his vehicle with weapons drawn, which ultimately led to a tragic outcome.

Q: What has been the community's response to Robinson's death?
A: The community, along with Robinson's family, has demanded justice and transparency, holding vigils and press conferences to call for a federal civil rights investigation into the incident.

Q: What does this case reveal about police accountability?
A: The lack of charges against the officers involved portrays a significant issue regarding police accountability in America, particularly highlighting systemic racism and the difficulties faced by victims and their families in seeking justice.

Q: How does this incident relate to broader issues of racial bias in policing?
A: Robinson's shooting exemplifies the systemic racial bias that leads to disproportionate use of force against Black civilians, raising critical questions about police training and response protocols in such situations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.