A total of five police officers were shot and killed while seven were wounded during a protest in downtown Dallas in response to the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Twenty-five-year-old Army reservist Micah Xavier Johnson was identified as the main suspect in the shooting. According to Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Johnsn, 25, was ultimately killed by a police robot when a bomb erupted near him following a standoff that went on for several hours.
Here’s everything we know about Micah Xavier Johnson:
According to police, Johnson wanted to “kill officers”.
Dallas police chief David Brown says Johnson “wanted to kill officers” and “expressed anger for Black Lives Matter.” He also told police he wasn’t affiliated with any groups and he was acting alone.
Johnson was in the Army Reserves and served in Afghanistan
The Department of Defense confirmed Johnson was a corporal in the Army Reserves with rank in the private first class until April 2015. He served in Afghanistan from November 2013 to July 2015, according to his service record. He was part of the 284th Engineering Company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Johnson was also a carpenter and masonry specialist, according to CNN editor, Ram Ramgopal.
BREAKING: Sources tell NBC News it is now believed that Micah Xavier Johnson acted alone. He also wore body armor during ambush attack.
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) July 8, 2016
His Facebook page shows a “woke” man.
Johnson’s Facebook page, which is no longer available, revealed a peak into his life. The decorated Army reservist identified as a Black Nationalist and his current photo is the Pan-African flag. His cover photos were of a Black liberation flag and a Black power fist.
Update: We now know full name as Micah Xavier Johnson. Johnson had no criminal record or known ties to terrorism. https://t.co/cMmTxMTi7T
— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) July 8, 2016
Johnson’s sister spoke out asking for privacy and respect.
Following the release of Johnson’s name to the public on Friday, Johnson’s sister reportedly posted about the shock of her brother’s involvement on a Facebook post. “I keep saying it’s not true…my eyes hurt from crying. Y him??? And why was he downtown smh.”
His sister’s post continued writing, “Please out of respect for my family. If you following the news and know whats going on, I’m not talking to anyone and please keep your comments thoughts respectful.” The post goes on to state, “The news will say what they think but those that knew him know this wasn’t like him. Only close family can call me. This is the biggest loss we’ve had.”
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