Jasmine Crockett confirms member of her security team killed by Dallas police

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Democrat of Texas, confirmed Monday that a man killed by Dallas police during a standoff last week had ensured his safety, calling it “a tragic ending that we all wish we could have avoided.”

Crockett said in a statement that Dallas police confirmed “the death of a member of our security team,” adding that “we are saddened and shocked by some of the concerning revelations.”

Police said at a news conference after the shooting of Diamon Robinson, 39, that he had “multiple felony warrants” and a parole violation warrant. The warrants were for impersonating a police officer and stealing license plates, NBC Dallas Fort Worth reported.

Police followed Robinson into a hospital parking lot Wednesday, NBC Dallas Fort Worth reported. He then barricaded himself in his car until police used tear gas to force him out, then pulled out a gun, authorities said. The police shot him dead.

Crockett, who has been a member of Congress since 2023, said Robinson was called Mike King when he worked for her. She said her team “followed all protocols outlined by the House to contract additional security,” adding that they were approved to hire the man she knew as Mike King.

“The fact that an individual was able to circumvent vetting processes for something as sensitive as the security of members of Congress highlights the flaws and flaws in many of our systems,” Crockett said. “This is incredibly alarming, particularly for members who are receiving a high number of credible and sophisticated death threats. »

Crockett added that Robinson’s ability to circumvent flaws in the congressional security system when it came to recruiting was a reason the U.S. Capitol Police needed to keep members of Congress safe.

Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Crockett’s statement or the man’s death.

Crockett said the description of Robinson’s past does not “match the person we knew as Mike King.”

“The man we knew showed up with respect, care and a commitment to protecting others,” Crockett said in an article on X that included his statement.

“We are praying for the friends and family of the man we knew as Mike King. Mike was in and around our team for years. There was never any reason to suspect that he was not who he said he was,” she said in her statement.

“He never put our team in danger, worked diligently, coordinated with local law enforcement and maintained positive relationships throughout the community,” said Crockett, who recently lost the Democratic nomination for Texas Senate to state Rep. James Talarico.

She added that as a public defender, she believed in “redemption” and “second chances.”

She said an initial review of Robinson’s “limited criminal history” showed he had not committed any violent offenses.

Dallas police did not immediately respond to an inquiry about Robinson’s criminal record.

A woman who responded to a call at an address listed for Robinson, and who has the same last name, declined to comment when reached by phone Monday evening.

Threats against Congress have increased for three straight years and reached their highest level in years last year, Capitol Police said in a January report. They investigated nearly 15,000 cases last year.

Capitol Police primarily patrol Capitol grounds and investigate threats against lawmakers. Members of Congress typically coordinate with state and local police, as well as personal security, when not in Washington.

Only certain members — usually those in leadership positions — receive full-time briefings from the Capitol Police. Some rank and file members receive additional protection when facing specific threats.