Man who worked security for congresswoman killed by Dallas police

A member of Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s security team was killed by police in Dallas during a standoff, the congresswoman confirmed in a statement, writing that she was “shocked by some of the concerning revelations.”

Officials say Diamon Robinson, 39, was confronted in a parking lot by Dallas police before he barricaded himself in a car, was forced out with tear gas and allegedly pulled a firearm on officers. Police shot and killed him.

Authorities said Robinson had a criminal history and was the subject of multiple “felony warrants.” Despite his criminal record, Robinson was able to work as security for a sitting member of Congress.

Crockett said her team followed protocols in contracting additional security and said the vendor had worked closely with law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police. Crockett called it “alarming” that Robinson was able to “circumvent the vetting process” and said the situation highlighted loopholes in the system.

Crockett said she knew Robinson as Mike King, and that he had been a part of her security detail for years.

“There was never any reason to suspect that he wasn’t who he held himself out to be,” Crockett said in a statement. “He never endangered our team, worked diligently, coordinated with law enforcement, and maintained positive relationships throughout the community.”

Crockett, who has been a member of Congress since 2023, said that her team conducted a review of Robinson’s limited criminal history and did not find any violent offenses.

She added: “What we’re now learning about his past doesn’t fit the person we came to know as Mike King. His death invokes a range of emotions. Our hearts grieve the loss of someone we knew and the lost good that could have come from his redemption.”

Christopher Cann is a national breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him via email at ccann@usatoday.com.