Rep. Jasmine Crockett insisted she “followed all protocols” in hiring a fugitive security guard who had a criminal history and was under federal investigation when he wasfatally shot in a standoff with Dallas SWAT.
Crockett (D-Texas) confirmed in a statement on Mondaythat her security guard, Diamon-Mazairre Robinson, whom she knew under the alias of Mike King, was shot by police in Dallas on Wednesday night — blaming “loopholes” in the system for his ability to circumvent the vetting process.
The rep added that her team was unaware Robinson, 39, had been acting under an alias and that she was under the impression the fugitive had provided security for “additional local entities” and worked closely with the Capitol Police.
“Our team followed all protocols outlined by the House to contract additional security,” Crockett wrote in the statement posted to X.
“The fact that this individual was able to somehow circumvent the vetting process for something as sensitive as security for a member of Congress highlights the loopholes and shortcomings in many of our systems,” Crockett wrote.
“With that being said, we are praying for the friends and family of the man we knew as Mike King,” she said, noting that Robinson had worked in and around her team “for years.”
Robinson had gone by multiple aliases to con his way into the Texas law enforcement community, claiming to be a police officer and securing a position protecting the progressive congresswoman.
Robinson is also believed to have used his fake Mike King identity to run a website called “Off Duty Police Services” that provided cops with jobs outside of work.
The Dallas Police fugitive unit had been tracking Robinson on Wednesday while he was driving a GMC Yukon with stolen government license plates, CBS News Texas reported.
Robinson, who was under investigation for impersonating a law enforcement officer, led them to the parking garage connected to the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, where he barricaded himself inside a car.
After police used tear gas to force out Robinson, he jumped out of his car and pointed a gun at them. Officers then opened fire on the armed suspect and fatally shot him.
Cops then found 11 weapons in his possession, including a stolen one, which he wielded while he was shot and killed, the outlet reported.
“What we’re learning about his past doesn’t fit the person we came to know as Mike King,” Crockett wrote.
“His death evokes a range of emotions. Our hearts grieve the loss of someone we knew and the lost good that could have come from his redemption.”
“There was never any reason to suspect that he wasn’t who he held himself out to be. He never endangered our team, worked diligently, coordinated with local law enforcement, and maintained positive relationships throughout the community,” Crockett said.
The con artist, who was most recently part of the security detail for her failed Senate campaign, had been arrested numerous times between 2009 and 2012, including seven instances of theft, CBS News Texas reported.
Robinson had pleaded guilty to all charges for both felony and misdemeanor offenses, and faced only fines of less than $2,500 and probation. His longest sentence was 10 years of probation, according to court records viewed by the outlet.
“We are saddened and shocked by some of the concerning revelations,” Crockett’s statement added.
“As a former public defender, the Congresswoman has always believed that people have an immense capacity for redemption and deserve second chances.”
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