Protest at site of deadly DC police shooting after body cam footage released

Protests erupt in DC following release of deadly police body cam footage

Police have shut down streets in Southeast D.C. in anticipation of protests where a Violence Interrupter for the city was shot and killed by D.C. police last week. FOX 5's Nana-Sentuo Bonsu reports live from the protests.

WASHINGTON - A crowd of protesters gathered in Southeast D.C. on Wednesday night, demanding justice after a violence interrupter, Justin Robinson, was shot and killed by two D.C. police officers.

The demonstration shut down streets, including Alabama Avenue, as tensions ran high between officers and the community. D.C. police said they made seven arrests.

The protest, which began around 7:30 p.m. with a small group of about a dozen people, quickly grew to over 100.

Demonstrators marched from the 7th District police station to a nearby McDonald's on Marion Barry Avenue, where the fatal shooting occurred over a week ago.

Protesters chanted phrases like "No justice, no peace" and "Arrest the officers" while facing police officers stationed behind barricades.

Body camera footage released by police shows Robinson, unconscious in his car after crashing into the McDonald's, allegedly trying to grab an officer's gun through a window before being shot.

The officers involved are currently on administrative leave.

The footage has left many community members outraged, with some expressing disbelief and sorrow.

"It was devastating – they don’t care, they didn’t try to wake him up," said Chartia Williams, a Ward 8 resident.

Police have stated that increased visibility and presence across the city will continue, particularly in the 7th District, as the investigation unfolds.