Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, confirmed Monday that a man killed by Dallas police during a confrontation last week worked as her security guard, calling it a “tragic ending that we hope everyone avoids.”
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 concerning revelations.”
Police said at a news conference after the shooting that 39-year-old Diamon Robinson 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 on Wednesday, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported. He then locked himself in his car until police used tear gas to force him out, and then he drew his weapon, authorities said. The police shot him.
Crockett, who has been a member of Congress since 2023, said Robinson went by the name Mike King when he worked for her. She said her team “followed all protocols outlined by the House to sign additional security,” adding that it had been approved to hire the person they know as Mike King.
“The fact that individuals were somehow able to circumvent the vetting process for something as sensitive as the safety of members of Congress highlights the vulnerabilities and flaws in many of our systems,” Crockett said. “This is mind-boggling, especially for members who have received a high volume of credible and sophisticated death threats.”
Crockett added that Robinson’s ability to circumvent security hiring loopholes in the congressional system is one reason the U.S. Capitol Police provide security for members of Congress.
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 “doesn’t fit with the Mike King we came to know.”
“The man we knew displayed respect, care and a commitment to protecting others,” Crockett said in a post on X that included her statement.
“Our prayers go out to the friends and family of Mike King. Mike has been in and around our team for many years. There is no reason to doubt that he is not who he claims to be,” she said in the statement.
“He never endangered our team, worked diligently, coordinated with local law enforcement and maintained positive relationships throughout the community,” Crockett said. He recently lost the Democratic Senate nomination in Texas to state Rep. James Talarico.
She added that as a public defender, she believes in “redemption” and “second chances.”
She said a preliminary review of Robinson’s “limited criminal history” showed no violent crimes.
Dallas police did not immediately respond to inquiries about Robinson’s criminal history.
A woman with the same last name as Robinson was called Monday night, but she declined to comment.
Capitol Police said in a January report that threats against Congress had increased for three consecutive years, surging last year to their highest level in years. Last year they investigated nearly 15,000 cases.
Capitol Police primarily patrol the Capitol grounds and investigate threats against lawmakers. When members of Congress are not in Washington, they often coordinate with state and local police and personal security.
Only some members — usually those in leadership positions — receive full-time details from Capitol Police. Some rank-and-file members receive additional protection when faced with specific threats.
This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com
