On October 18, 2021, 30-year-old DeAndre Anthony Johnson, a Black man from Washington, D.C., was fatally shot by a police officer inside a Southeast Washington apartment. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department had gone to the residence to serve a temporary protection order; a woman who had earlier reported that Johnson threatened her with a gun was present along with several children. Officers moved to arrest Johnson on Assault with a Dangerous Weapon charges related to that prior report, and a struggle broke out as they tried to take him into custody.

During the altercation one officer’s body-worn camera was deactivated for about 15 seconds. Police say Johnson attempted to grab an officer’s holstered firearm, and another officer then shot him twice in the back. The encounter, from entry to shooting, lasted less than a minute; Johnson died at the scene. Portions of body-camera footage were released afterward. The officers involved were placed on administrative leave; the U.S. Attorney’s Office opened an independent criminal investigation and the department opened an internal administrative inquiry. No arrests have been announced.

A vigil was held by Johnson’s family and members of Black Lives Matter D.C. calling for answers. Does anyone have information about the moments before officers entered the apartment or about the prior allegation that prompted the protection order?